Coaching Management 16.3

Coaching Management VOL. XVI NO. 3

BASKETBALL

POSTSEASON

CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF A guide to planning overseas trips ■ ■

Becoming an Athletic Director Lateral Dominance

EDITION

■

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2008

Circle No. 100

Coaching Management Basketball Edition Postseason 2008

CONTENTS

Vol. XVI, No. 3

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LOCKER ROOM

COVER STORY

Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Cleared for Takeoff

NCAA D-I Men’s Academic Enhancement Group meets … Milwaukee addresses contest safety … Women’s teams try new marketing tactics …

Minnesota experiments with shot clock … Meet the new NCAA Coordinator of Men’s Basketball Officiating …

Keeping MRSA off the court

Q&A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Matt Fine, Head Coach at Muncie (Ind.) Central High School, talks about coaching a young team and preparing for tough opponents.

On the cover: Clemson University’s James Mays rises for a shot over the University of North Carolina’s Tyler Hansbrough. Clemson traveled to the Bahamas over the 2007 Labor Day weekend.

Story begins on page 18.

Publisher Mark Goldberg Editor-in-Chief Eleanor Frankel Associate Editor Dennis Read Assistant Editors R.J. Anderson, Kenny Berkowitz, Nate Dougherty, Abigail Funk, Greg Scholand Art Director Pamela Crawford Photo Researcher Susan Morrello Business Manager Pennie Small

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Traveling abroad can provide a team with lifelong memories and bonding opportunities. Thorough planning and a flexible attitude are the keys to making a trip enriching both on and off the court.

YOUR CAREER

Tossing the Whistle

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Ever think about making the jump from coaching to athletic administration?

Here’s a look at the pros and cons, and how to stick the landing.

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

Balance of Power

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Helping players work past their natural tendency to be right- or left-handed can improve their proficiency going in both directions and develop them into more complete athletes.

COACHING AIDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 PRODUCT LAUNCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 BASKETBALL FACILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 STRENGTH TRAINING & CARDIO . . . . . . . . . 46

Marketing Director Sheryl Shaffer Marketing/Sales Assistant Danielle Catalano Circulation Director Dave Dubin Circulation Manager John Callaghan Production Director Don Andersen Assistant Production Director Jim Harper Production Assistant Jonni Campbell Prepress Manager Neal Betts Special Projects Dave Wohlhueter

MORE PRODUCTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 NEXT STOP: WEB SITE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Advertising Sales Associates (607) 257-6970 Diedra Harkenrider, ext. 24 Pat Wertman, ext. 21 Ad Materials Coordinator Mike Townsend Administrative Assistant Sharon Barbell Business and Editorial Offices 31 Dutch Mill Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 257-6970, Fax (607) 257-7328 info@MomentumMedia.com

The Coaching Management Basketball edition is published in July and March by MAG, Inc. and is distributed free to college and high school coaches in the United States and Canada. Copyright © 2008 by MAG, Inc. All rights reserved. Text may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without the permission of the publisher. Unsolicited materials will not be returned unless accompanied by a selfaddressed, stamped envelope. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Coaching Management, P.O. Box 4806, Ithaca, N.Y. 14852. Printed in the U.S.A.

Mailing lists for Coaching Management Basketball are provided by the Clell Wade Coaches Directory.

COVER PHOTOS: REX BROWN/GETTY IMAGES

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LOCKER ROOM BULLETIN BOARD D’I Group Seeking Academic Reform The NCAA has established the Division I Men’s Basketball Academic Enhancement Group to develop ways to improve graduation rates while accounting for the unique demands of the sport.

The group, modeled after a similar body established for baseball, has been charged by the Division I Board of Directors to work with coaches and other NCAA groups to analyze academic performance trends and identify factors that negatively impact academic performance.

The ultimate goal is to see more players leave school with diplomas in hand. “I’ve never met a coach who doesn’t want all of his guys to graduate,” says Herb Sendek, Head Coach at Arizona State University and member of the group.

“And I think most coaches promote that in a very positive way. But we have to look at the issues systemically if we’re going to get to their roots.

“It’s far more complicated than coaches caring about academics or providing motivation or discipline relating to academics,” he continues.

“This committee will look at issues specific to basket-

ball and how we might affect change so that we graduate more players.”

Composed of coaches, athletic administrators, school presidents, and faculty athletics representatives, the 28-member group reviewed detailed reports of academic performance of Division I men’s basketball players at its first meeting. It also established subcommittees to look at five main areas of concern: the impact of transfers on retention and eligibility, the impact of players focusing on potential professional careers during their final spring semester, issues regarding academic support services and academic preparedness before enrollment, the possibility of changes to scheduling of both games and practices, and the potential for opening up coaches’ access to players outside of the playing season.

Although academic performance is hardly a new issue in men’s basketball, or any college sport, Sendek says this group is different than previous bodies. “This is the first time a group specific to studying academics in men’s basketball has been formed,” says group chair Dan Guerrero, Athletic Director at UCLA. “There are some unique features that have to be considered under a microscope as they relate to men’s basketball.

“Take coaching turnover, for example,” he continues. “Few sports, if any, have the turnover rate of men’s basketball.

There’s been a direct correlation shown between coaching turnover and lower APRs, yet we continue to have great turnover among coaches, which affects the bottom line of players graduating.”

Herb Sendek, Head Coach at Arizona State University, and other members of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Academic Enhancement Group are studying ways to improve the sport’s graduation rate and other academic issues.

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While the group does not have the power to enact rules, it is expected to make recommendations to the Division I Board of Directors no later than the end of the year. “Our hope is

that the recommendations ultimately result in some kind of substantial change if the board believes there are merits in them,” Guerrero says.

Although the group is limited to representatives from Division I institutions, its effects could be wide-ranging. The baseball academic group’s recommendations developed into a package of legislation that will impact everything from rosters size to the ability of college baseball players to participate in summer leagues.

“Coaches at other levels need to know that this group is serious,” Guerrero says. “Every effort is being made to ensure that the sport of men’s basketball thrives, but does so with measurable accountability. And once high schools and junior colleges see that there are expectations and accountability in place, they will adapt and adjust to whatever changes result.”

The baseball changes generated quite a bit of controversy and some coaches complained they didn’t have enough say in the decision-making process.

But Sendek says there’s no reason for basketball coaches to stay on the sidelines.

“A good idea can come from anyone—it’s certainly not limited to the members of this committee,” he says. “If somebody wants an idea considered, there are many eager people a phone call away who are willing to listen. Coaches are free to contact any member of the committee or work through their athletic director or conference office.”

For more information on the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Academic Enhancement Group, go to: www.ncaa.org and type “Basketball Academic Enhancement Group” into the search window.

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LOCKER ROOM BULLETIN BOARD Milwaukee Makes H.S. Games Safer Last January, as the final seconds of overtime ticked away during a game between two Milwaukee high schools, what started out as a spirited rivalry spun out of control. Six hundred fans from Bradley Tech and Bay View high schools rushed the floor, arguing and fighting. Two people were injured, and in the chaos, emergency personnel were unable to reach a fan having a seizure. The incident made national headlines and left 10 people in police custody.

That night’s events also left coaches and administrators scrambling for ways to make the district’s basketball games safer. Their first step was to take measures to control attendance at games and

weed out individuals with troublesome intentions.

“We’re limiting ticket sales for both boys’ and girls’ games to 75 percent of a venue’s seating capacity,” says Bill Molbeck, Commissioner of Athletics for Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS). “By making games less crowded, we believe we’ll keep things under better control.”

Administrators also decided to eliminate at-the-door sales altogether by pre-selling tickets to girls’ rivalry games and all boys’ contests. To make sure the stands are filled with fans there for the sole purpose of supporting their team in a positive way, each fan is only allowed to purchase two tickets. “The two-ticket limit ensures that most people at our games are closely associated with one of the schools that

are playing,” Molbeck says.

“We’ve found that many times, including the incident last year, it’s people with no connection to either school who are causing the problems.”

Controlling access to gymnasiums once basketball games are underway was another important move, with schools now denying entrance to games after 8 p.m. To keep negative episodes from escalating, MPS also banned the use of electronic devices during games, including cell phones. “If an incident starts, we want to be able to confine it to the people inside the gym,” Molbeck explains.

“We don’t want people calling others and telling them to be waiting outside after the contest is over.”

MPS officials also took a close look at how music sets the

tone at games and decided to limit its use. “We used to play music during timeouts and between quarters, but in instances where things were already contentious, we felt like it was adding to the problem,” Molbeck says.

Coaches have an important job in shaping fan behavior, according to Molbeck, and he is working closely with MPS coaches to help them understand that role. “The biggest thing we ask our coaches to do is control their players,” he says. “Fans definitely respond to how they see players acting on the floor. When a player disagrees with a call, for example, his or her reaction is critical to how the crowd will react.

“We also ask our coaches to be cognizant of their own behavior,” Molbeck continues. “You can have a game that’s very

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close and very physical, but if you see the coach remaining in control, treating the officials with respect, and requiring his or her players to do the same, fans are much more likely to follow their lead.”

Molbeck believes the new measures, combined with rules already in place, have had a positive effect. “Unfortunately, it only takes a handful of people to cause a big problem at a game,” he says.

“We’re trying to be proactive and take care of things before they happen, and we believe we’re creating a safer and more enjoyable atmosphere for our fans.”

Growing the Women’s Game Three years ago, feeling that NCAA women’s basketball was challenged by a lack of exposure, a key group of stakeholders, including NCAA President Myles Brand, gathered to talk about how to best market the women’s game. “It became clear very quickly that we needed the initiative to focus on grassroots solutions,” says Susan Donohoe, NCAA Vice President for Division I Women’s Basketball. “We needed to market the game at the institutional and conference levels, which would then translate to national growth.”

As a result of that meeting and others that followed, the NCAA designed a threepronged approach to market the women’s game. In the first prong, the NCAA is sponsoring the Pack the House Challenge to encourage Division I teams to set school attendance records, with one winner from each conference getting a $500 donation to the charity of its choice.

In the second prong, the division is continuing its Share the Experience seminars, which invite marketing directors to gather and discuss best practices in promoting women’s basketball. In the third prong, the NCAA established the Women’s Basketball Grant Program, which offers matching grants of up to $100,000 a year to create pilot programs at the institutional and conference levels that increase attendance.

In November, the NCAA signed a three-year contract with Hawkeye Communications to come up with even more ideas to take women’s basketball to the next level. “This is a major step,” says Donohoe. “We’ve committed significant resources to marketing women’s basketball. This isn’t about throwing T-shirts into the stands, it’s about real efforts with real strategies behind them. Over the next three years, you’re going to see some very creative, innovative approaches.

Every decision we make is designed to build attendance, create awareness, and grow the game.”

A shining example of the NCAA’s initiatives can be found at Middle Tennessee State University, where average home attendance jumped 550 percent from 2005-06 to 2006-07.

The team averaged 744 fans in 2005-06, and the next season, it brought in 4,157 per game. Though some of those fans are clearly drawn to the team’s on-court success—the Blue Raiders claimed Sun Belt Conference titles in 2006 and 2007—much of the response has been sparked by new grassroots marketing efforts.

“Winning helps tremendously, but people aren’t coming just because we’re winning,” says Middle Tennessee Director of

Last year, the Middle Tennessee State University women’s team drew over 10,000 fans to a game against Maryland. Using grassroots marketing efforts, the team had the sixth largest attendance increase in the nation during the 2006-07 season.

Marketing Brad Smith. “They’re coming for the entertainment value, especially the families and children. Young kids don’t care whether the team wins or loses, as long as the event is fun. So we’ve built a familyfriendly atmosphere, designed ticket and concessions packages that provide added value, and marketed theme nights to draw people from surrounding communities.”

For example, to welcome new head coach Rick Insell, a Middle Tennessee alum and Murfreesboro native, marketers opened the 2005-06 season with a Rick Insell lookalike contest. Cardboard cutouts featuring Insell’s likeness were distributed among the crowd. Fifty people showed up in costume, and the winner had lunch with Insell. Another popular event is Education Day. Held on a

For more information on new ideas in marketing women’s basketball, visit the Web site of our sister publication, Athletic Management, and type “Hands-On Approach” into the search window at: www.AthleticManagement.com.

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LOCKER ROOM BULLETIN BOARD weekday morning, the department sells discounted tickets to elementary schools and creates a lesson plan that uses basketball to teach math, science, social studies, and geography.

Other events have included a birthday party for the team’s mascot and a reunion night for basketball camp attendees.

Marketers also orchestrated a Mardi Gras Night, where Middle Tennessee students wore masks, beads, and feathers to the game. For the event, companies and leaders from the business community were invited to join an on-court parade.

Borrowing a page from the WNBA marketing playbook, the department closely ties its entertainment to sales, expecting corporations who participated in the Mardi Gras Parade to sell at least 100 tickets to the game. Local cheerleading squads, karate schools, community dance groups, and youth basketball teams sell 100 tickets in return for a sevenminute slot entertaining the crowd from center court at halftime in another program.

And organizations that sell at least 50 tickets are included in pregame festivities.

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In a move designed to speed up the pace in both boys’ and girls’ games this past season, the Minnesota State High School League implemented an experimental rule allowing the use of a 35-second shot clock. Provided that both coaches agreed, the clock was used in non-conference games and holiday and exhibition tournaments.

Minnesota is following a handful of other states including California, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and

most recently, Montana, which have implemented a 30- or 35-second shot clock for boys’ and/or girls’ games. Ron Larson, Head Boys’ Coach and Athletic Director at St. Francis (Minn.) High School and a member of the Minnesota Basketball Coaches Association, is hoping the shot clock can help achieve several goals.

“We’d like to see the pace of play sped up and eliminate the strategy of having players run time off the clock by holding the ball for the last one, two, or three minutes of the game,” he says. “And it will cut down on unnecessary fouls toward the end of the game

when teams are trying to get the ball back. A shot clock will also demand that coaches develop additional strategies and clock management skills.”

Craig Morgan, Head Boys’ Coach and Athletic Director at Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School in New Ulm, Minn., says that as a coach, he is intrigued by the idea of using a shot clock on a regular basis. But as an athletic director, he is concerned about the cost of upgrading. “Our current scoreboard is a little older,” he says. “We’re updating it now so it will be compatible with a shot clock. And we’ll have to find somebody who understands the 35-second situation and is qualified to run the clock.”

Both boys’ and girls’ teams in New York use a 35-second shot clock. Stephen Shepanski, Head Girls’ Coach at RushHenrietta (N.Y.) High School— whose 2007 squad won the New York State Public High School Athletic Association state championship—warns that there is a learning curve for coaches when they first start playing with a shot clock.

“When my assistant coach and I go through the offenses we want to run for the year, we find ourselves asking if we can get through all the cuts and screens and still have a decent look at the basket before the 35-second buzzer goes off,” Shepanski says. “To address those situations, we run the clock during practices and scrimmages so our players can really get a sense of how long that 35 seconds feels on the court.”

This season, Minnesota boys’ and girls’ teams could voluntarily use a 35-second shot clock in non-league games and tournaments. Above, a Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School player shoots over a player from St. Mary’s High School.

In Minnesota, coaches and officials who tried out the shot clock were polled at the end of the season to evaluate its effectiveness. The results of the survey were not available at press time. “We’re all curious about the shot clock,” Larson says. “Coaches I’ve talked to are excited to try it out, and we’ll see what happens a year or two down the road.”

STEVE MUSCATELLO/THE JOURNAL, NEW ULM, MN

Piggybacking on the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association’s Breast Cancer Awareness Week, Middle Tennessee used its “Think Pink” game to partner with the Middle Tennessee Medical Center and the 6,000-member World Outreach Church, which took the lead in marketing the event to its constituents. The game, which featured 15-second video spots of Blue Raiders players meeting with cancer survivors, is a great example of the NCAA’s emphasis on grassroots marketing. “Our strongest assets are our studentathletes, and the best marketing tools we have are coaches and players connecting with the community,” says Donohoe. “The question is, how do we build on those attributes to grow the game?”

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LOCKER ROOM BULLETIN BOARD Adams Assumes Officiating Duties As the NCAA says goodbye to another year of fantastic finishes and March Madness, it also says hello to a new National Coordinator of Men’s Basketball Officiating. John W. Adams is replacing Hank Nichols, who officially retired at the end of the 2007-08 season after more than two decades on the job.

Adams’s first priority in the new role is clear. “My top job is to work with the Men’s Basketball Committee to identify the best 96 officials in the country to serve in the annual tournament,” says Adams, who brings with him 15 years of experience as an official at the high school and NCAA Division I, II, and III levels.

But he acknowledges there’s much more to the post than that. To prepare for being the chief evaluator of officials in college basketball, Adams, who previously evaluated officials for the NCAA and the Indiana High School Athletic Association, and served as a liaison between the NCAA Men’s Basketball Rules Committee and the Conference Commissioners Association’s officiating coordinators, spent this season traveling the country to attend games, meet with conference commissioners, and talk to coaches about the state of officiating at the college level.

Previously coordinator of officials for the Division I Horizon League since 1999, the Division III Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference since 2002, and the Division II Great Lakes Valley Conference since 2004, Adams says hitting the road allowed

him not only to introduce himself, but also to hear perspectives and concerns from all corners of Division I. He says the number-one issue that coaches and league officials brought up was the desire for greater consistency in calls from one game and officiating crew to the next.

“We’ve made enormous strides in terms of training and certification, but there’s still more we can do,” he says.

“There are 31 college leagues in the country, and all our officials work as independent contractors, so consistency is a constant challenge.”

Video and computer technology is the wave of the future for educating and evaluating officials, Adams says, and he’s prepared to take full advantage of it. “One of my goals is to use technology to formulate some

At the end of this season, John W. Adams takes over as National Coordinator of Men’s Basketball Officiating for the NCAA. kind of new accountability system for refs,” he explains. “I’m certainly not on a witch hunt—I think it can be used to vindicate an official just as often as

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LOCKER ROOM BULLETIN BOARD it can identify a missed call.

Technology is there to let us review their performance more effectively than ever before.”

Adams also sees video technology as a valuable teaching tool. “How do you get roughly 1,000 officials around the country to apply the rules consistently game after game? You communicate with them,” he says. “For instance, I want to enhance the use of our officiating Web site. We can upload plays with explanations of correct and incorrect calls to help clear up any confusion or misinterpretations of our rules.

“Take the example of a blockcharge call,” he continues.

“We can break down video of specific examples and say, ‘First, you have to know what legal guarding position is.

Second, you have to be in the right place to determine whether a player has established legal guarding position.

And third, you have to understand the principle involved in the rule to correctly make a decision.’ We can illustrate all those things with video, and hopefully it will help our officials get it right every time.”

Before this season, the NCAA, Collegiate Commissioners Association, National Association of Basketball Coaches, and Women’s Basketball Coaches Association announced a joint initiative to improve bench decorum and coaches’ behavior on the sideline. Adams says he believes the effort has been successful, and adds that this is another area where instructive video examples can help officials apply the standards fairly—on things like sportsmanlike conduct, excessive use of gestures, and coaching box limits.

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potentially fatal complications, such as pneumonia and bloodstream infections.

es are usually the result of an infection not being recognized early enough.”

When a small red mark showed up on the leg of a Maple Valley (Mich.) High School girls’ player last fall, she thought she had been bitten by something. Her parents thought it might have been a spider bite. Her coach thought it was a mosquito bite. But it turned out the player had been bitten by MRSA—the potentially life-threatening virus that has earned itself the nickname “Superbug.”

With the right antibiotics and prompt infection-site treatment, a MRSA infection can be cured fairly easily in almost all cases. Most serious health problems and MRSA-related deaths are caused by late and/or incorrect diagnosis and treatment of the infection, which is why awareness is such

A MRSA infection typically begins as a skin lesion containing a pustule, so it is often mistaken for a pimple, ingrown hair, or spider bite.

As it develops, it expands and can present with painful swelling and discoloration, running sores, boils, and sometimes serious tissue damage.

The girl’s brother, also a student-athlete at the Vermontville, Mich., school, had recently heard about MRSA from one of his football coaches and urged his parents to have his sister tested. Doctors validated his suspicions, and because it was caught early enough, his sister quickly made a full recovery and returned to the court.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), is a staph infection that has increasingly been found in athletic settings. MRSA made national headlines in 2003 when a football player at Lycoming College died of a bloodstream infection linked to MRSA bacteria. And last season, the Boston Celtics’ Paul Pierce and Delonte West were sidelined from an exhibition game in October after contracting MRSA. MRSA is like other types of staph, but with one important difference: MRSA strains are immune to many common antibiotics, including penicillin and amoxicillin. (Methicillin itself, a form of penicillin, is no longer used to treat infections, though its name is still used to identify drug-resistant staph strains.) MRSA is more dangerous than ordinary staph because if an infected person is prescribed an antibiotic that can’t kill the bacteria, the infection grows worse and can lead to more serious and

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MRSA is a dangerous staph infection that can be transmitted through the sharing of equipment and skin-on-skin contact. Above, Cierra Bravard of Sandusky (Ohio) Perkins High School shoots over Mylan Woods of Hathaway Brown High School in Shaker Heights, Ohio. an important step in preventing serious outbreaks.

“The real key to controlling MRSA is identifying it as quickly as possible,” says Jeff Hageman, an epidemiologist specializing in staph infections at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“The standard treatment procedures and drugs are very effective, and the severe cas-

In athletic settings, infection usually occurs when a colonized person’s bacteria come into contact with a cut, scrape, or other open wound. This can occur through skin-onskin contact or through the sharing of equipment. The danger extends to the locker room as well—MRSA can be spread when athletes share towels, razors, or even bars of soap.

AP/WIDEWORLD PHOTOS

As he takes office this off-season, Adams’s message for coaches is simple: “I’m accessible, and I want to hear from you,” he says. “Communication is the key to everything. I think we can all work a little bit more closely for the good of the game.”

Keeping MRSA Off the Court

Strategies for warding off MRSA range from the basic, like using antibacterial soap in locker room showers, to the high-tech—one company offers a metal box that attaches to a wall and constantly filters the air in the room. But experts agree a major piece of the puzzle is simply practicing good hygiene.

“Athletes can do a lot to minimize their exposure to MRSA just by following standard cleanliness rules,” says A.J. Duffy III, Head Athletic Trainer at Widener University

and former President of the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Association. “That means washing their hands regularly with antibacterial soap. It also means showering immediately after practice—athletes shouldn’t change their clothes and head back home or to their dorm room to shower, though many prefer to do that.”

Basic hygiene standards should apply to uniforms and equipment as well. “Bacteria love damp, moist environments,” Duffy says. “How

many times do you see athletes finish practice and throw their gear in a bag or locker instead of letting it dry out?

It’s a simple step, but it can make a very big difference.”

Almost anything players touch on a daily basis—weightroom equipment, towels and washcloths, locker room benches, jerseys—can be a conduit for MRSA bacteria. Since it’s impossible to clean every surface daily, it helps to identify the most frequently contacted spots in your facilities (for instance, locker room

doorknobs, treatment tables, and shower areas) and single them out for more frequent cleaning.

The best thing you can do as a coach is educate your players on what MRSA is and explain that practicing the simple preventative measures detailed above can make the difference. While there are antibiotics available that cure MRSA, remember that early detection is key, and any player would rather visit a doctor as a precaution than be diagnosed with MRSA too late.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has the most up-to-date information on MRSA. Type MRSA in the search window at: www.cdc.gov.

Our sister publication, Training & Conditioning, has free posters warning athletes and coaches about the dangers of MRSA at: www.training-conditioning.com/mrsa.html.

The National Athletic Trainers’ Association’s official statement on MRSA is a valuable resource for your athletes: www.nata.org/newsrelease/archives/000240.htm.

To read a feature-length article on MRSA, visit our sister publication, Athletic Management, on the Web. Type “MRSA” in the search window at: www.athleticmanagement.com.

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Q&A

Matt Fine Muncie (Ind.) Central High School When you hear the name Muncie Central, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? For most people, it’s the 1954 Indiana state basketball championship, in which the heavily favored Bearcats were upset by tiny Milan High School. That game, immortalized in the movie “Hoosiers” (though the names of both schools were changed), still captures the imagination of basketball fans worldwide.

It’s ironic that Muncie Central’s greatest claim to fame is a defeat, because losses have been a rare occurrence for the boys’ team and Head Coach Matt Fine. In four seasons as head coach, Fine has compiled a record of 79-16 and claimed three sectional titles, two regional titles, three semi-state titles, and two conference cham-

CM: How does your team deal with high expectations?

Fine: Our kids and coaches expect high standards to be set by the school and the community, so we see it as something that comes with the territory. When this season’s seniors were freshmen, the team played in the state championship game, and we went back again when they were sophomores. Last year, we were ranked number one in the state for much of the year. Well before they make the varsity

pionships. The team also made back-toback class 4A state championship game appearances in 2005 and 2006.

Before taking over the program, Fine spent five seasons as an assistant coach under Muncie Central’s legendary coach Bill Harrell. Since becoming head coach, he has been named the North Central Conference Basketball Coach of the Year once (2005) and the conference Boys’ Sports Coach of the Year twice (2005 and 2006).

In this interview, Fine talks about coaching a young team, preparing for tough opponents, and what the “Hoosiers” connection means to his program today.

squad, players in our program are used to seeing high-caliber basketball and the expectations that come with it. When that’s what you grow up with, it doesn’t take a lot of getting used to.

You graduated four starters last year.

How did you prepare this year’s players to handle expanded roles?

As high school coaches, we have to be flexible and prepared to adjust our approach to fit our players. That’s espe-

cially true with a young team. We wanted to take some pressure off them as they learned and grew into their roles.

For instance, in past seasons we gave our players quite a bit of freedom offensively, but with this group, there were rules for just about everything. Instead of letting them freelance in the open court, we ran numbered breaks—we laid out exactly where they should be on the floor and gave them less to think about. As the season went on, we backed off and let them use their instincts and creativity a little more. Part of our job as coaches was watching their progress and deciding when they were ready for that.

THE STAR PRESS/GREG FALLON

What was your biggest challenge heading into this season?

Knowing that we would have a young team, we put a huge emphasis on building mental toughness by making every drill competitive. We’d give our second group a big lead in almost everything we did, so our starters would have to really work together to claw back and win. There were consequences for losing, so everyone was giving full effort all the time.

We don’t ever want to come out and beat somebody just because we have more talent than they do. We want to make sure we’re blocking out five guys every time, having five guys sprint the floor, and having five guys communicate. To achieve that, especially with a young team, you have to focus on it in practice every day.

Muncie (Ind.) Central High School’s Jauwan Scaife plays defense during a North Central Conference game against Huntington (Ind.) North High School this season. Muncie Central won the game with Scaife scoring 16 points.

How does being a math teacher make you a better coach?

In the classroom, sometimes you have to go back and repeat a lesson even if you

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feel you’ve covered it well, because for whatever reason it just doesn’t sink in the first time. The same thing happens on the basketball court. For instance, if I’m teaching the team to defend a ball screen a certain way, I’m confident that I can properly show them what to do. But if I see that it’s not working, I have to be ready to take a step back and explain it differently. You can never teach a skill and then just cross it off your list. You have to evaluate whether your message is getting across.

In 2005 and 2006 when your team made the state championship games, you played Greg Oden and Mike Conley’s Lawrence North team. How did you prepare your players for that caliber of opponent?

Since I’ve been here, we’ve also played against Josh McRoberts, Eric Gordon, and Dominic James. Those guys were all very tough, but because we’re used to seeing top talent our players weren’t as starstruck as others would have been. We

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Last year, MTV approached you about making your team the subject of a reality series. Why did you turn them down?

We’re dealing with 16- and 17-year-olds who are still living at home with their families and trying to balance schoolwork, social lives, and basketball, and just felt it would be too intrusive. One question our school administrators and I asked was how much exposure there would be, and we were told they wanted to film everything—games, practices, the locker room, all of it. That can be very disruptive to team chemistry, particularly for a group like ours that shares a close bond.

Sure, there would have been some neat aspects to it, but in the end I didn’t think it would have been worth it.

What is your strategy for making sure athletes put academics first?

Since I’ve been here, 15 of the 16 basketball players we’ve graduated have gone to college, and we’re very proud of that. We do weekly and biweekly grade checks, have team study tables, and constantly preach the importance of players staying on top of their work. We also talk about the fact that our program has a strong tradition of seeing kids go to college. When the players are aware of that tradition, they see it as just another part of what’s expected of them.

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did some different things to prepare—we even had someone hold up a broom on the court during practice so we could simulate shooting over Greg Oden’s reach—but for the most part we focused on playing our game.

2/18/08 1:51:02 PM

How do you delegate authority to your assistant coaches?

I have three varsity assistants, and they are the backbone of our program. When we start practice, I let them run things for the first 30 to 45 minutes. They each have their specialties, and I’m free to go around and point out little things that I notice, either to individuals or the entire group. That time is invaluable, because without it I wouldn’t be able to step back and see the big picture. Our coaches are all excellent at teaching their specialties, so the kids learn a lot more than I could ever teach them on my own.

What is your relationship with your program’s j.v. and freshman coaches?

We focus a lot on continuity from one level to the next, so our players are already familiar with our system by the time they make varsity. Our j.v. and freshmen coaching staffs are on the bench for all our varsity games and travel with us when we’re away. We have program-wide coaches’ meetings where we go over our teaching

Q&A techniques, timelines, and terminology, and they work with their teams on the core offensive and defensive principles we use at the varsity level, like motion and man-to-man coverage. That way, my staff and I are never forced to start from scratch when players get to our level.

Another important thing we do is bring all of our kids together, grades nine through 12, for spring and summer workouts. The younger kids have a chance to see the way we work with varsity players and what we demand of them, and it makes a big impression. When they see that our best player is also our hardest worker, that

Sure, we wish we had nine state championship banners hanging from the ceiling instead of eight. But that movie says a lot about what Indiana basketball is all about, and we’re very proud to be a part of it.

What have you learned in your coaching career that you wish you’d known when you started?

Maybe the biggest thing I’ve learned is the importance of being compassionate.

Now that I’ve coached for a while and I’m raising two kids of my own, I realize that good kids can make mistakes. It’s

easy to be gung-ho and say that no one deserves a second chance if they screw up, but I’ve learned that’s not always the best approach.

Today I might say, “Hey, maybe basketball is something this kid needs,” and I’ll find ways to help a kid learn from his mistakes and keep him on the team instead of kicking him off the team. If he can look back at some point in life and realize that one of those lessons really helped him, then it was definitely worth giving him another chance.

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“Maybe the biggest thing I’ve learned is the importance of being compassionate. Now that I’ve coached for a while and I’m raising two kids of my own, I realize that good kids can make mistakes. It’s easy to be gung-ho and say that no one deserves a second chance if they screw up, but I’ve learned that’s not always the best approach.” really teaches them something.

Have you considered moving to the college level?

I’ve thought about it quite a bit, but there aren’t many better places to coach than Muncie Central. I’m very happy where I am, particularly because I have a threeyear-old and a one-year-old. I don’t know if I’m ready to be away from them the way I’d have to if I were in a college program.

What is it like for you to watch “Hoosiers”?

It’s one of my favorite movies of all time and a great story of Indiana basketball and its importance to the culture here. To be at our school, where we have a special connection to the story, is just a great feeling and one that we embrace.

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Traveling abroad can provide a team with bonding opportunities and lifelong memories. Thorough planning and a flexible attitude are the keys to making a trip enriching both on and off the court.

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Augustana team on a tour of Holland, Belgium, and France, and traveled again in 2004 to Ireland. “The entire experience lends itself to creating team cohesion and chemistry,” Giovanine says. “You’re going to face some challenges along the way, but any time a group does something that unique, it’s a huge benefit.”

Whether visiting exotic locations or simply crossing the border, international travel can come in many forms for both college and high school teams. It can be a long weekend in Canada facing new opponents or 10 days spent playing exhibitions and hosting clinics in Africa. In this article, we’ll discuss how to effectively plan an international trip, what activities work best to promote team building, and how to keep players on top of their game while dealing with the rigors of travel.

Scheduling The Trip To start the process, you may want to find a basketball-specific travel agency to assist in planning the trip. These agencies will schedule games and tournaments, make flight and hotel arrangements, and sometimes even send a tour guide to help players enjoy the local culture.

For coaches traveling for the first time, it’s important to research different agenNate Dougherty is an Assistant Editor at Coaching Management. He can be reached at: nd@MomentumMedia.com.

REX BROWN/GETTY IMAGES

hen players from the Augustana College men’s team donned their blue and gold jerseys for a game last summer, they may as well have been wearing red, white, and blue. Playing in Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia, they faced off against a Chinese professional team before a crowd of 6,000 under a banner that read “USA vs. China.”

As they walked off the court following a hard-fought victory, the Augustana players were mobbed by fans seeking photos and autographs.

For a group of NCAA Division III student-athletes accustomed to playing before much smaller and less demonstrative crowds, it was the kind of attention they had only dreamed of. And for Head Coach Grey Giovanine, it was an experience that helped forge a sense of team unity.

“The atmosphere surrounding that event is something those players will remember for the rest of their lives,” Giovanine says. “During the pregame meal that featured a traditionally prepared ram, the lights were dimmed and we were surrounded by small fires. While we ate, we were surrounded by singers, dancers, and musicians playing traditional Mongolian songs. It was priceless.”

Giovanine is no stranger to international experience. In 2001, he took the

BY NATE DOUGHERTY

COVER STORY

Clemson Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s James Mays rises for a shot over the University of North Carolinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tyler Hansbrough during a game in January. In 2007, Clemson traveled to the Bahamas over Labor Day weekend.

COVER STORY

cies to see what kind of trips they offer and what opponents they can line up. “If you haven’t traveled before, it’s good to talk to other teams about their experiences with travel agents,” says Lafayette College Head Men’s Coach Fran O’Hanlon, who took his team to Italy last summer. “You want an agent who has good relationships with teams in the region where you’re going to travel. When a coach meets with a prospective agent, he or she needs to find out if the agent will travel with you or if you’ll have a guide.”

It’s also important for coaches to identify what kind of experience they want before sitting down with an agent to plan the trip. “When you talk to an agent, you’ll need to identify the level of competition you want to face and how many places you’d like to visit during the trip,” says Clemson University Head Men’s Coach Oliver Purnell, whose team spent the 2007 Labor Day weekend in the Bahamas. “They should go over everything with you, from the flight information to what hotels you’ll be staying at along the way. Make sure to be very thorough in the planning stages, because once you’re on the trip it becomes much harder to change something.”

Chad Wilkinson, President of American International Sports Tours Inc., says there are many points for coaches to consider when arranging a tour. For instance, they should ask where the hotel is in relation to the team’s competition sites, whether there are any safety concerns in the area, if bilingual assistance will be available, and how meals will be arranged.

Coaches should also remember that some countries have laws that can restrict how far and often a team can travel once at the destination. “There are many different laws and regulations regarding tour buses and drivers,” Wilkinson says. “You have to understand the amount of hours your drivers are allowed to drive and the distances and time it takes to get from one destination to another—this can be the most difficult part of organizing a tour.”

There are also competition considerations. Having spent more than 12 years in European pro leagues as a player and coach, O’Hanlon knows foreign teams come in a wide range of talent levels, so it pays to inquire about the type of teams that are available to play. Coming off a 921 season, it was important for O’Hanlon to schedule opponents that would be playing at a similar level as the Crusaders.

Giving players some down time to reflect on what they’ve seen can help make a trip even more meaningful. When her team traveled to Senegal and the Canary Islands last summer, University of Virginia Head Women’s Coach Debbie Ryan had players keep journals to better understand the historical significance of all the places they visited.

“Each player kept a journal throughout the trip, and before we went on every excursion I had them write a little part about the history of where we were going,” Ryan says. “They could write anything they wanted, and the entries ended up being very detailed.”

Upon returning home, journals can also be used to help share experiences with family members. “The first thing most parents ask is, ‘What did you do?’” says Jason Hynek, who helps high school teams travel to overseas tournaments as a senior program advisor with People To People Sports Ambassadors. “If players have a journal, they can sit down with their parents and go through what they did each day, or even just read it themselves months or years later. That helps

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“We didn’t want to go over there and get blown out by teams that were much better than we were,” O’Hanlon says. “They have some good pro teams we could have played, but losing badly would have taken away from the team building we were trying to accomplish.

So through our travel agent we targeted teams that would be competitive, and as a result we had some close games that really benefited our team.”

Sometimes, however, playing superior pro or semi-pro competition can be helpful for a team. When Augustana went 1-4 against stiff competition during its 2001 trip, Giovanine used it as a learning experience. “Those games give you a chance to try some things you wouldn’t normally do, like pressing more or playing different zone defenses,” Giovanine says.

For college teams, deciding when to travel is determined largely by the NCAA. Rules specify that trips must be taken during summer vacation or one of the school’s other vacation periods.

Division I and II teams may travel once every four years, while Division III teams can go once every three.

The timing of when a team travels can also limit who may go. If the trip is taken

keep them connected to the trip and the teammates they shared it with.”

But the thrills of the trip don’t need to be stashed away in a journal to be effective either. Augustana College Head Men’s Coach Grey Giovanine found that having one player write a blog for the athletic department’s Web site kept fans informed on the team’s progress and allowed the player, a senior captain, to gain recognition for something other than his play.

“The blog was a huge hit,” Giovanine says. “The new players who didn’t travel with us could follow the trip closely by reading the updates. We were also able to reach a new audience.

“And it was very beneficial for the senior who wrote it,” Giovanine continues. “He recognized the opportunity to express himself and let everyone in the region know who he is, which will be very helpful when he’s soon looking for a job.”

KEEPING A RECORD

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during the summer, the NCAA mandates that players must have been eligible for intercollegiate competition during the previous year—therefore excluding incoming freshmen. Purnell prefers to take tours in the late spring or early summer because without classes to get back to, the trip can last longer and offer more educational experiences, but says last year’s four-day-three-night trip was beneficial because he could bring the freshmen

along. Doing so gave them a head start on getting to know their teammates.

“We practiced for 10 days before we left, then played two games in the Bahamas and returned home,” Purnell says. “We took 10 days off after we got back and jumped right into practice. It was a great way to start the season, bonding and hanging out together at the beach.

“The shorter trips aren’t as much about cultural experiences as they are

about basketball and practice,” he adds.

“On longer summer trips, like when we went to Europe, there was a lot more education and sightseeing.”

Just because incoming freshmen are not eligible to travel on summer trips doesn’t mean they can’t be included in the experience. Giovanine makes sure to keep in contact with them during the trip

“You have to be ready for anything ... A trip like this teaches you to be patient and get the most out of any experience.” and has veteran players share their memories once they’re back on campus.

“We like to go in late summer when the foreign teams are forming, but the downside is that we can’t invite our incoming players,” Giovanine says. “So while we were in China, I made sure to stay in touch with those incoming freshmen through text messaging and phone calls.

“When we returned, I told the players to discuss details of the trip with their new teammates just like they would with their friends,” he adds. “Once the semester starts, we don’t want any inside jokes that make freshmen feel excluded. By sharing in those experiences, new players already feel like they’re part of the team. It also creates a lot of excitement, because in three years they will take a trip and have a great time.”

Ready For Anything For coaches used to having total control of their players’ practice and workout times, the unpredictability of a foreign tour can be jarring. For one thing, the expectation of games and practices starting on time goes out the window.

“You have to be ready for anything,” says Debbie Ryan, Head Women’s Coach at the University of Virginia. Ryan led her team on a trip to Senegal and the Canary Islands last summer, and found that itineraries are tentative at best.

“You can’t be uptight or concerned that you’re not practicing on time. A trip like this teaches you to be patient and get the most out of any experience.”

It’s best if coaches let go of strict Circle No. 113

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control and realize that unlike at home, there will be many surprises. When the Augustana squad arrived in China, it found the government had taken control of its schedule and the team would only be playing one of the five

teams originally scheduled. Giovanine says there wasn’t much he could do about the situation, so he rolled with the punches and worked to keep his team focused and ready to play, no matter how the schedule played out.

“Most of the places I’ve traveled to, whether it was Mexico, South America, Europe, or Asia, do not have the structured timetables we’re used to,” Giovanine says. “If you have a game scheduled for 7 p.m. it might not start until 9 p.m. You

College teams that travel outside the country gain an advantage that goes beyond team-bonding and extra competitions. The NCAA allows 10 additional days to

But Giovanine knows pushing players too hard during the summer can have drawbacks, so he keeps practices light. He finds players’ natural enthusiasm for the trip keeps the concentration and energy levels high.

practice prior to a trip. Augustana College Head Men’s Coach Grey Giovanine tries to use that time to get a head start on teaching skills he normally would have to wait until October to cover.

“The collective disposition at those practices is very different from what you find during the season,” he says.

“There’s a unique excitement in anticipation of the trip they’re preparing for. Players are very excited to be there, and there’s a great element of fun for coaches, so we make sure it isn’t too much of a grind.”

“You can get a lot done in those 10 days of practice,” Giovanine says. “Often you’re dealing with players who will be stepping into new roles, and rather than having to wait until October to get them acclimated, you can start the process in the summer before you travel. We split up practices into three- and four-day mini camps, which turns out to be very productive.”

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might have a hotel that’s listed as a four star but you wind up sleeping on bunk beds. Those situations are part of the experience. Most American coaches can be such task masters and always have to be in charge, but when you travel overseas you have to realize that you won’t be able to control all the things you normally do.”

Unexpected setbacks can also become learning experiences. “These situations let you see how the team is going to come together under unpredictable stress,” says Nels Hawkinson, Executive Director of Basketball Travelers, Inc., an organization that arranges many trips for college and high school teams each year, including Clemson’s travel to the Bahamas. “It’s important to embrace the unexpected as a chance to work together and solve problems on and off the court.”

A coach’s responsibilities also expand during an extended trip. Jason Hynek, who helps high school teams play in overseas tournaments as a senior program advisor with People To People Sports Ambassadors, says coaches have to be willing to step outside their normal roles.

“I’ve had coaches who thought they were just going to go coach games and everyone else would deal with the problems that occur,” Hynek says. “You need to be prepared to be the nurse, tour guide, friend—anything you can possibly imagine. There’s a huge difference between when you’re responsible for athletes for three hours a day during practice and when you’re watching them 24 hours a day on a trip. Be prepared to go with the flow, because you’ll need to be an on-thespot problem solver for many situations.

“Coaches who do this well accept the responsibility that comes with watching 10 to 15 teenagers for 10 days straight,” he continues. “They need to be willing to have their door open all the time and get by with three hours of sleep.”

Hynek suggests running through potential scenarios beforehand. “You need to ask yourself, ‘What am I going to do if and when ...?’” Hynek says. “There are a lot of logistics to consider, and I’ve run into all kinds of situations. I’ve had players arrested, players lose their passports, and stayed at a hotel with no phones. Those are all scenarios you should be mentally prepared for.”

While it’s good to be ready for potential setbacks, it’s equally important not to get bogged down worrying. “It’s much

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COVER STORY

easier to enjoy the trip if you are not constantly concerned about the little things that come up while traveling,” Wilkinson says. “Don’t get frustrated with long lines at the airport or other incidents that may occur throughout your trip—just enjoy it and make the best of your experience. Things are much different than you are accustomed to at home, and you need to accept that.”

Rebounding For Play After a long, grueling plane ride and the shock of time zone changes, the first day on foreign soil is critical for setting the pace for the rest of the trip. Some of the work starts before you leave and even while you are in the air.

For instance, keeping hydrated during the flight is important to fight against jet lag. It’s a good rule to have players drink eight ounces of fluid for every hour they’re in the air.

Even though players may want to go to bed when they do arrive, it’s important they remain active and allow their

bodies to adjust to local time. “One of the most important things is to not let players go to sleep until nighttime,” Hynek says. “If you let them go to sleep in the morning or the middle of the day, they’ll sleep for eight hours and be thrown off for days.”

To fight the urge to sleep, Hynek says coaches should plan something to keep players moving. Staying awake and active allows them to get a good night’s rest at the end of the day and prepare for the second day, when they’ll need to resume a more normal practice routine.

“Whether it’s a sightseeing tour or just walking, it’s really important to have an activity scheduled that first day to get their blood flowing,” Hynek says. “A bike tour is good because it keeps them active, but it’s a good idea to stay away from an activity like a boat tour because if they’re sitting down they might be tempted to doze off.

“The second day is just as important,” he continues. “There needs to be an intense practice that shocks their

bodies and helps them adjust to the time difference. For the kids who had a hard time sleeping the night before, it will tire them out and let them sleep normally the second night.”

Before they leave the U.S., Giovanine has his players set their watches to the time at their destination. After the plane lands, he immediately begins using the players’ fatigue as motivation to help prepare them for the rigors they’ll face during the season. “We start challenging the players upon arrival,” Giovanine says. “We either schedule a practice or a game right away, and mentally refuse to acknowledge jet lag. We tell them there are going to be some long bus rides during the season and tough turnarounds from one game to the next, and we’re going to use this experience to prepare for those situations.

“The travel is fun and exciting, and by presenting it as a challenge, you can gain an advantage once the season begins,” he continues. “I talk often with players about being able to compete well under any circumstances, and this

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Circle No. 119

Circle No. 118

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· Australia · Belgium · England · France · Germany · Hawaii · Holland · Italy · Sweden

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COVER STORY

kind of travel represents the ultimate road challenge.”

But Giovanine realizes that players have limits, and after the team’s day-long flight to China, he eased off. “We had to be careful because it was such a significant change physically,” Giovanine says.

“We had been on a plane 13 hours from Chicago to Tokyo, then had a four-hour layover and another four-hour flight to Hong Kong. I realized that while it’s great to get right onto the floor, in some cases it’s not going to be possible and you’ve got to do something else.”

During the trip, players will likely have to deal with long, cramped bus rides and uncomfortable hotel beds.

O’Hanlon also uses these trials to prepare players for the grind they will face as their regular season drags on.

“Coaches and players tend to get into patterns,” O’Hanlon says. “This kind of traveling shows you don’t always have to depend on a set routine, and that it’s possible to just step on the court and be ready no matter what hand you’ve been dealt. For example, on this trip, one day we traveled six hours on a bus and then got out and played a game right away and still won. My players learned that as long as they are prepared mentally and physically and play as a group, they can win under any circumstances.”

A Trip To Remember Preparing players for the culture shock that may await them is an important part of a coach’s pre-trip legwork.

Taking time to teach them about the country they’re visiting not only helps them understand what to expect, but can also build excitement and anticipation.

“Before the trip, we sent the players to four different seminars for students getting ready to study abroad,” Giovanine says. “They attended three 90-minute presentations on the cultural highlights of areas we were visiting. It gave them a much better appreciation for the history and significance once we got there. I even had all the players come over to my house one night to watch a Discovery Channel program about Hong Kong and Beijing.”

It’s also important to remember that not every memory is made while exploring castles or during tours of historical neighborhoods. Hynek says players have some of their best experiences at the hotel, while unwinding and talking about what they’ve seen during the day.

“Sightseeing is great, but players often get more of a chance to bond when they’re just sitting around and talking,” he says. “That also battles homesickness, which is one of the hardest parts of over-

TRAVEL RESOURCES

seas travel—especially for young players who haven’t been that far from home.”

To make sure players get a chance to bond with all their teammates, O’Hanlon changes the roommate roster every time the team visits a new hotel. And instead of eating every meal as a team, he leaves time for players to explore the local cuisine in small groups.

“Some teams want to always eat together, but I think it is also important for players to sometimes go out on their own,” O’Hanlon says. “Ordering off a menu and talking to waiters is part of the international experience.”

While Giovanine believes it’s important for teams to take in the historical sites together, it’s just as memorable for players to discover the culture for themselves. “You need the right mix of freedom and structure for your players and staff,” Giovanine says. “We made sure the team saw highlights of each place we traveled to, but it was also important for them to be able to go out and experience the culture on their own.

“I also told them to interact with kids their own age and just explore their culture,” he continues. “That means giving up a little bit of control as a coach, but allowing players to explore on their own helps make sure it’s a trip they’ll never forget.” ■

Below are some of the companies that can assist high school and college coaches with their travel plans.

PEOPLE TO PEOPLE (888) 556-8897 www.sportsambassadors.org People to People helps high school teams travel to overseas tournaments.

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SPORTS TOURS (AIST) (816) 256-3828 www.americanint.com AIST provides tours for high school and college athletic programs to 22 countries.

TRANSPORTS ATHLETICS, INC. (877) 754-8726 www.gotransports.com TranSports plans international sports tour programs that fit the individual needs of each team.

ANTHONY TRAVELERS, INC. (800) 736-6377 www.anthonytravel.com Anthony Travelers specializes in event management services for athletic programs at every level of competition, including college basketball tournaments in Europe.

TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL SPORTS (800) 535-3574 www.tisworld.com Travel International Sports facilitates youth basketball tournaments and competition across Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia.

BASKETBALL TRAVELERS, INC. (425) 776-2775 www.basketballtravelers.com Basketball Travelers arranges domestic and international basketball competitions for all levels of play, including NCAA foreign exhibition games.

WORLD-SPORT TOURS INTERNATIONAL (800) 496-8687 www.worldsport-tours.com World-Sport coordinates travel and competition programs for all ages and levels of sports teams.

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Circle No. 120

YOUR CAREER

TOSSING THE WHISTLE Ever think about making the jump from coaching to athletic administration?

Here’s a look at the pros and cons, and how to stick the landing.

BY DR. DAVID HOCH RECENTLY,

ONE OF MY COACHES ASKED ME

FOR ADVICE ON HOW TO BECOME AN ATHLETIC DIRECTOR. My first response was, “Are you crazy? Why would you want to leave the exhilaration of competition and the thrill of watching young people develop to become an administrator?”

“I thought you liked your job,” was his response. The fact is, I do like my job and I don’t regret my decision to leave coaching for administration 14 years ago. But I’m not sure I really knew at the time what I was getting into.

In this article, I hope to provide the straight scoop on making the jump from coach to athletic director. It can be a fantastic career move for some, but it’s not right for everybody. You have to be ready to give up coaching—and ready to tackle a whole new set of challenges.

INGO FAST

The Good, Bad, & Ugly Every profession has its ups and downs, and athletic administration is no exception.

For me, the best part of the job is that I can have an impact on a greater number of kids. You are not in charge of just one team, but the entire athletic program. By hiring coaches, guiding the David Hoch, EdD, is the Athletic Director at Loch Raven High School in Baltimore, Md., and a former head men’s basketball coach.

He is past President of the Maryland State Athletic Directors’ Association and can be reached at: dhoch@bcps.org.

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YOUR CAREER

program’s philosophy, forming sportsmanship programs, making policies, and so on, you influence a lot of student-athletes.

I also absolutely love mentoring young coaches. In some ways, it’s just like coaching, except my charges are a little older. And if I do a good job, I can influence these young coaches’ philosophies and help them get started on the right track. I definitely feel that I’m having a great impact in this area, which is very fulfilling.

Other athletic directors enjoy the job because they like working with upperlevel administrators at the school and being involved in education policy. It’s a great way to take your leadership skills to a whole new level in a very dynamic field.

What many of my colleagues and I find difficult about the job, however,

to communicate with coaches, athletes, parents, teachers, administrators, league officials, and the community is a big part of the day-to-day work.

Probably most important, you have to enjoy and be great at hiring, evaluating, and mentoring. You will be a coach of coaches, and how well their teams do will determine your success. You have to be able to take your coaching skills and apply them to an adult audience.

If the “good” sounds good to you, you’re not scared off by the “bad” or the “ugly,” and the daily tasks sound appealing … read on.

Getting Ready Many of the duties mentioned above may not seem that far removed from coaching, and they’re not! Being a head coach definitely provides you with some

Most important, you have to enjoy and be great at hiring, evaluating, and mentoring.

You will be a coach of coaches, and how well their teams do will determine your success.

You have to be able to take your coaching skills and apply them to an adult audience. is that its workload is relentless. Many athletic directors put in 12-hour days, and these can easily stretch to 14 or 15 hours when you host a contest. And, unlike in coaching, there is no offseason. Fatigue is an athletic director’s constant companion.

The “ugly” part of the job is that you sometimes have to deal with very difficult situations. The buck stops with you: You are the person who has to deal with those overbearing parents, that high-maintenance coach, and the student fans who got out of control at last Saturday’s football game. You will be named if there is a lawsuit. And you will be blamed for many things that you have to graciously accept as your fault even though they may not be.

What is the job like on a daily basis?

You definitely have to like organization. There is a never-ending mound of paperwork and scheduling, so you must enjoy reviewing forms and putting pieces of a puzzle together. Communication is also key. Knowing how and when 30

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skills that transfer to the athletic administrator’s office.

For example, you have learned effective organizational skills as a coach. You have to plan practices, prepare game plans, and maintain equipment and uniform inventories. Also, budgeting your time and delegating tasks have always been part of your position.

By working with student-athletes and assistant coaches, you have also been managing personnel. You have probably already developed a leadership style that fits your personality and a philosophy for motivating and mentoring.

And surely you’ve tackled at least a few difficult situations as a coach. Whether it’s handling parents, an athlete who breaks a code of conduct, or a disagreement among your players, you’ve developed some skill in resolving conflict and communicating well with everyone involved.

The next step is to get more concrete experience in administration and to start learning the areas you don’t have experience in. There are two reasons for

this—to help you decide whether you would really like the job, and to have something on your resume that shows you are working on administrative skills.

In terms of professional preparation, the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) created Leadership Training Courses (LTCs) almost 10 years ago. These four-hour courses are excellent professional development opportunities and cover a wide range of topics. I would suggest starting with the courses titled “Philosophies, Leadership, Organizations and Professional Programs” (LTC 501) and “Principles, Strategies and Methods” (LTC 502).

These courses are required for the first level of national certification, the Registered Athletic Administrator (RAA). You can also go on to earn Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) or Certified Master Athletic Administrator (CMAA) credentials once you start working in the field.

More and more schools across the country are looking at national certification as a factor in their hiring.

You can also attend your state athletic directors association’s annual conference. These usually offer excellent workshop sessions dealing with current issues and how athletic directors handle them.

Going to these meetings also allows you to start networking with athletic administrators in your area.

In addition to courses and conferences, there are college degree programs in sports management. Is it necessary to earn one of these degrees to become a high school athletic director? No, not at all. But it would demonstrate a seriousness and sense of direction, and you would also learn a great deal which could ultimately be used in your career.

In the meantime, whenever possible, accept ancillary leadership roles. For example, in Maryland, each sport has a Regional Sport Chairperson, who is usually a coach. These positions involve leadership and organizational responsibilities associated with the planning and coordination of each state tournament.

Similarly, if you have an opportunity to serve as an officer in your state coaches’ association, take it. Many of the duties will involve skills similar to those needed in athletic administration.

Another good option is to serve as an intern with the athletic director at your school or at a neighboring school. This is a great way to get into the trenches and

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YOUR CAREER

learn by doing. If a formal internship is not possible, start a dialogue with your athletic director about why and how he or she is tackling a problem or ask about a system he or she has created. Better yet, volunteer to help him or her with administrative tasks!

At the very least, try thinking like an administrator. Honestly analyze what the athletic directors you’ve worked for do best. Do they come up with creative solutions? Do they interact and work well with the various constituencies of the athletic program? Thirty years later, I still think back to one of my first athletic directors and try to emulate his professionalism, enthusiasm, compassion, and motivational skills. Find some role models and take the best that they have to offer.

How To Apply In most areas of the country, the position of athletic director pays well and there are several applicants for every open job. How do you make your resume stand out, even if the other candidates have administrative experience?

First of all, try to find out who will make the hiring decision. It varies by district, but in most cases there is an interview committee, with a principal or superin-

tendent making the final choice. Also try to learn more about the culture and philosophy of the school, as well as why the last athletic director left. Are there big problems at the school that are still unresolved? By knowing who is involved in the process and what they’re looking for, you can tailor your approach.

In your cover letter, go into detail about experiences that demonstrate your readiness to become an athletic director. Highlight the ancillary leadership roles you’ve taken on and related skills you’ve developed. And do mention any little things you’ve done, such as taking LTC courses, attaining the RAA certification, or serving as an officer in a coaching association.

If you get an interview, be prepared for some specific and pointed questions. With the pressure schools currently face from assessment tests, graduation requirements, SAT scores, No Child Left Behind, and all of the latest parental concerns, a principal wants an athletic director who can keep a lid on athletic problems. Because athletics is the most visible aspect of education (and everyone has an opinion on coaching tactics), upper-level administrators need a leader who can handle the heat.

Here are some typical questions you’ll be asked:

Every first-year athletic director encounters some unexpected challenges. Here are the three things I remember struggling with the most.

On my second day as a high school athletic director, I encountered my first high-maintenance coach. This coach approached me with a demand for new equipment—and I didn’t even know which key opened the storage room yet! He was also a yeller who was not teaching his athletes the right lessons. I quickly found out that every athletic department has entrenched coaches and (in most cases) you can’t simply fire them immediately.

I had to learn to work with this individual and continue to evaluate him over a three-year period before I could let him go. I had to attempt to give him positive feedback and very, very carefully document the problems he was creating. I had to try to get him to change, even though that was ultimately impossible.

■ Why do you want to move into athletic administration? Your answer needs to involve more than, “I’m ready for a new challenge.” You need to talk about how your ideas and strategies can improve an athletic department.

■ What will you bring to the position?

Here’s where you can expand upon your leadership skills and ancillary experiences. This is also where it pays to have done your homework so you can offer possible solutions to one or two of their concerns or problems.

■ What is your managerial style? The committee is looking to see if you are a control freak (dictatorial), inclusive (democratic), and so on. The committee basically wants to figure out if it will all work.

By the time you begin interviewing for an athletic director position, you will also need to have changed your perspective. As a coach, it’s natural to have a very narrow view, because you are focused totally on your team or sport. As an athletic director, you will need to see the big picture. This means understanding and seeing that all sports are treated fairly with respect to facilities, financing, equipment, and public support. All sports are vital and integral to an athletic program and school, and none should be con-

Second, it took me a few years to really understand the difference between managerial responsibilities and leadership. Even if you can manage the paperwork and scheduling just fine, if you aren’t seen as a leader with great communication skills, you won’t be effective in making the big decisions.

Last, my journey included learning the importance of listening better. As a coach, I was used to making the decision as to who would start, who would play, and how we would conduct practice. However, as an athletic director, I had to learn to persuade others and build consensus. It can’t be “my way or the highway,” because this doesn’t work well with adults and professionals.

These were my hurdles, and I’m sure other new athletic directors have had different ones. I’m happy to report that all three were interesting challenges and solving them took my skills to a new level.

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sidered more important than any other.

It’s critical that you communicate to the interview committee that you understand this perspective.

One more thing to keep in mind: If the competition for athletic director jobs in your area is tough, your first position may have to be with a downtrodden

they become your accomplishments.

These efforts will help put you in a better position to secure your next administrative opportunity.

They Won’t Call You “Coach” Today, many schools do not allow their athletic administrators to coach.

Try to find out who will make the hiring decision ... Learn more about the culture and philosophy of the school, as well as why the last athletic director left. By knowing who is involved in the process and what they’re looking for, you can tailor your approach. program. But this can sometimes be a great place to start. The expectations are often lower and there are a lot of opportunities to demonstrate your leadership.

Like in coaching, if you take a struggling program and make some improvements,

The position, responsibilities, and expectations have grown so large that it would not be possible to do both effectively. So before you accept any position, do make time to answer the big question: Are you ready to hang up

your whistle and make a commitment to athletic management?

Try this analogy: Imagine the prospect of stepping into an athletic administrative position as a blank canvas. The more details and images you can put on this surface, the better the picture will look in the end. Can you paint this picture?

Do you have ideas on how to work with coaches, communicate with parents, deal with budget cuts, lead a meeting, create an innovative sportsmanship program?

You will no longer hoist a trophy, give a pregame talk, or teach basketball skills. And the kids won’t call you coach.

But you will have an opportunity to affect more student-athletes, mentor new coaches, and take your leadership skills to another level. ■ A version of this article has run in other editions of Coaching Management.

Another great way to start your administrative career is by logging on to the most frequently updated Web site for athletic administrators: www.AthleticManagement.com.

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Circle No. 123

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

BALANCE OF POWER

BY VERN GAMBETTA

Helping players work past their natural tendency to be right- or left-handed can improve their proficiency going in both directions and develop them into more complete athletes.

D AP/WIDE WORLD PHOTOS

O YOU REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME

you tried to do something athletic with your nondominant hand? For me, it was shooting a layup left-handed as a kid. It was a disaster.

That was my introduction to lateral dominance, and I’m still intrigued by the concept today. Technically, lateral dominance is the preference for one extremity or side of the body over the other. It is a fancy term for saying someone is right- or left-handed—but it means a lot more than simply identifying which hand a person writes or shoots with.

Unless they are ambidextrous, every athlete is more proficient with one side of their body than the other. In basketball, a player’s dominant hand is one of his defining characteristics. Most of their ball handling and nearly all of their shooting is performed using their strong hand. But lateral dominance plays a role in so many other aspects of the game, and overcom-

ing the preference to favor one side can lead to performance enhancement.

Why Is It Important?

There are several reasons why lateral dominance is important in training your athletes. The most obvious is that an underdeveloped limb or side of the body can limit performance. No matter which

Vern Gambetta is the President of Gambetta Sports Training Systems in Sarasota, Fla., and a frequent contributor to Coaching Management.

His daily thoughts on training athletes can be viewed on his blog at: www.functionalpathtraining.blogspot.com.

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arm a player shoots or prefers to dribble with, if he or she can move both arms and both legs with equal proficiency, they will gain an advantage over the athlete who cannot. A point guard will benefit from having superb coordination on both sides of his body, allowing him or her to go to go equally well right or left when dribbling around defenders and post players and slashing wings who can finish with either hand are doubly-hard to guard.

Another clear reason for addressing lateral dominance in training is that if an athlete progresses through his career only using his or her dominant limb or the dominant side, he runs the risk of overuse. Through repetitive stress, a structural or functional imbalance can occur and lead to injury or impaired performance.

But there are also some less obvious reasons why you should pay attention to this concept. In particular, it is often the nondominant side that performs the function of deceleration.

There is also the idea that training the nondominant limb may improve per-

formance with the dominant limb. This concept is called bilateral transfer. For example, an athlete who has one leg in a cast can do strength-training exercises using the non-injured leg to help keep the injured leg strong. The technique has been used in rehab for years and the positive implications are obvious.

The question is, can it also work for performance enhancement? We are talking about the same body and the same nervous system, so logic tells us that it should work when training a healthy athlete. Unfortunately, no research has been conducted on the concept. But anecdotally, I have found it can be effective.

When I was the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Chicago White Sox from 1987 to 1996, we experimented with having our pitchers play catch using their nondominant arm the day after they pitched in a game. Their dominant arm was usually pretty sore from pitching the day before, so we wanted to work their opposite arm and take advantage of bilateral transfer. The results were hard to measure, but those pitchers who com-

mitted to the exercise liked it and felt it helped their dominant arm.

Having used bilateral transfer exercises for several sports, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve observed heightened awareness and improved coordination on the dominant side after having worked the nondominant side. Janis Lusis, former world record holder and multiple Olympic medalist in the javelin throw, is right-handed, but he used to end each throwing workout with 10 to 20 easy-effort left-handed throws. He said the exercise helped hone his balance and coordination. Obviously this needs to be studied further, but I am convinced there is merit to the concept.

Development Of Dominance To understand the larger concept of lateral dominance, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s helpful to examine it as it relates to growth and development. On the court, laterality refers to the conscious awareness that there are two sides of the body. Through movement experience during growth, children become increasingly aware of their right versus their left side and develop patterns

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STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

of dominance. Between the ages of five and seven, these patterns really begin to reveal themselves, although research has shown that a preference for use of the right or the left hand is not permanently established until age nine or 10. Foot preference, however, seems to be established by age five.

Therefore, the ideal period for children to develop bilateral movement is during the so-called “skill hungry years” of six to nine. This does not mean that we should train young athletes to be ambidextrous—not at all. Rather, we are simply attempting to develop nondominant limb skills with the goal of enhancing the efficiency of the entire body.

How does this concept work neurologically? In motor learning, as in all learning, the brain needs to receive information in order to develop. The body provides that information to the brain, which processes the data and turns it into signals that trigger the appropriate movements. The brain has two hemispheres: the logical left brain, and the right brain—what I call the perceptual side. Optimal learning

occurs when there is rapid communication between both sides. The term for this is cross-lateral control.

One book on the subject that really opened my eyes is The Dominance Factor, by Carla Hannaford. This book approaches the concept of lateral dominance from the viewpoint of a learning disabilities specialist, but the implications for sports performance enhancement are intriguing.

Hannaford goes beyond just identifying dominant arm—she identifies dominant eye, ear, and foot. She also talks about how these dominance patterns interact to provide information to the brain.

An obvious way these ideas cross over to athletics is examining how a dominant eye affects the way an athlete sees the court or tracks a pass. A more subtle concept, however, is how dominance patterns affect the manner in which an athlete learns. It can be very helpful to know if an athlete processes information better using auditory cues or by receiving visual cues, or if processing complicated feedback will be difficult.

The book also made me think about

how important it is for all areas of the brain to be in sync when processing information. According to Hannaford, “The optimal learning state is one of whole-brain integration. In this state, both hemispheres are equally active all the time, thus accessing all sensory information and effectively communicating, moving, and acting on information.”

As coaches, we know that our most effective practice sessions occur when an athlete is totally focused, with every muscle of their body eager to respond to stimuli. The more we understand how the brain works, the better we can train our athletes to achieve this focus. If therapists can teach students to overcome disabilities rooted in certain brain dominances, we can teach athletes to overcome lateral dominance and enhance performance.

Training Both Sides I am not saying we should train a right-handed player to shoot jumpshots left-handed, or devote half our training to developing the nondominant side—that would be a waste of time.

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STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

Ultimately, most athletes must perform optimally with their dominant limbs, so everything we do in training should focus on enhancing skills in those limbs.

However, I feel that spending a small amount of time training the nondominant side of the body will help achieve this overall performance goal.

The obvious question, then, is when and how much should the nondominant side be trained? The answer depends on

the athlete’s training and performance goals.

The first step is to assess whether the athlete has major problems caused by lateral dominance. You can do this through observation and testing. Tests should be agility-based and force the athlete to move both right and left.

If deficiencies due to lateral dominance are affecting the athlete’s play, find out why they are better at going

Practicing synchronization of movement will heighten body awareness and improve coordination of the nondominant side. Here are some examples of these simple exercises: ■

Perform circles with one arm and punches with the other. Quickly switch arm movements after about 10 reps.

■

Jump forward and backward with both arms overhead moving side to side.

■

Stand in place and rotate the hips clockwise and the head counterclockwise.

in one direction than the other. Is it a strength imbalance? Does a prior injury limit their ability to move to one side? Is it a problem with motor perception? To remedy this situation, it is necessary to find the cause and systematically address it. This requires a specially designed program for each individual athlete.

If lateral dominance is not causing major problems but you’d still like to improve an athlete’s nondominant

■

Dribble a basketball with each hand using equal effort.

■

Dribble two balls with unequal effort—hard with one hand and soft with the other.

■

Dribble two balls of different dimensions. For example, bounce a volleyball in one hand and a basketball in the other.

■

Catch and throw with the nondominant arm.

■

Kick with the nondominant leg.

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limb proficiency, I suggest adding small doses of nondominant training to their workouts. Most of this training can be classified as remedial work and be implemented as part of a warmup or cooldown. I have also found these types of exercises are good “homework” for athletes to do between practices and can be as simple as dribbling and shooting layups and short jump shots with the nondominant hand.

I wrote earlier about getting both sides of the brain to work together. A great way to achieve this is through crosslateral physical movements—where limbs coordinate with their counterpart on the other side. The simplest form of crosslateral movement is crawling, done using both arms and both legs. I include crawling as part of every warmup and add a specific crawling module to my coretraining workouts. Examples include bear crawls and Spiderman crawls.

For coordination training, I incorporate work that involves the nondominant side in novel tasks, not just the sport skill exercises. I am not seeking a direct transfer with these everyday exercises, but practicing synchronization of movement that heightens body awareness and awareness of the nondominant side.

These unrelated movements will open neural pathways and wake up the nervous system (See “Coordination Drills” on page 38).

A good place for your players to work toward bilateral transfer is in the weightroom. Obviously, this kind of exercise is not feasible for every workout, but I use it where it fits. The idea does, however, require a whole paradigm shift on the role of strength training toward enhancing coordination and the efficiency of movement patterns. This type of work does not improve heavy lifting, but it is more functional because it develops more usable strength.

For example, have athletes do an alternate dumbbell press instead of a two-arm press with a bar. Lunges and single-leg squats can be used for the lower body.

This will facilitate lateral transfer while also achieving standard strength gains.

In core strength and stability training, it is very important to work both sides of the body in a balanced way. This does not take any extra effort—it just means setting up your drills to focus on both sides equally.

Lastly, remember that lateral domi-

nance is not just about training left and right body movements, but also about other nondominant patterns of movement. Therefore, work the following movement combinations into workouts where appropriate: ■ Right/Left ■ Forward/Back ■ Up/Down ■ Over/Under ■ Clockwise/Counterclockwise ■ Side and Diagonal.

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Training both sides of the body will enhance total movement skills. You don’t have to revamp your practices or workouts, it just requires thinking about going to “the other side” in your program design. Doing so will open new movement territory and help your athletes explore the body’s potential. ■ A version of this article was published in previous issues of Coaching Management, and in our sister publication, Training & Conditioning.

Expect Performance… and Get It! Performance is priority at Power Systems because our performance impacts your performance. That’s why we offer

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Basketball Facilities Spalding Basketball Equipment 800-435-3865 www.spaldingequipment.com Spalding basketball products are trusted at every level, from the NBA All-Star Game to the backyard pick-up game.

From rims and backboards to padding and accessories, Spalding’s extensive product line has something for every basketball team and enthusiast.

Spalding basketball equipment is backed by some of the industry’s longest warranties and is built to last. A commitment to superior design and customer support makes Spalding a leading choice in basketball equipment.

Circle No. 500 Spalding manufactures top-quality equipment for competitive, recreational, and physical education use. Spalding’s product line includes goals, backboards, accessories, and now digital graphic scorer’s tables. Full-color printing allows unlimited color options with durable, vivid inks that outlast silkscreens.

Spalding’s digital experts will work with you to apply your logo, color scheme, and verbiage. Now you can show your school spirit in your own unique way.

Circle No. 501 Bison, Inc. 800-247-7668 www.bisoninc.com Bison now offers the 48” x 72” Unbreakable Tall Glass Backboard (BA48XL) to virtually eliminate backboard breakage on older structures built for 48-inch backboards. The heavy-duty rear support system absorbs more than 98 percent of stress from player contact.

The goal is mounted to the rear steel frame without touching the glass at any point. Bison is so confident this

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board will not break, the company offers a $250 installation reimbursement on any broken BA48XL backboard replaced under the unconditional lifetime warranty.

Circle No. 502 Bison’s four sizes of T-Rex portables have ever ything for competition and side courts: competition styling, a glass backboard with a lifetime warranty, a breakaway goal, and DuraSkin backboard padding. The competition T-Rex 96 offers 96 inches of safe play area and Bison’s 180-degree Baseline breakaway. T-Rex systems offer low maintenance, extension spring technology for one-person setup, and height adjustment. The base and front are fully padded, and front stabilizers lock in place for maximum stability. There are three other T-Rex systems for side courts or use where space is at a premium.

Circle No. 503 FieldTurf Tarkett 800-724-2969 www.fieldturftarkett.com No matter the facility, FieldTurf Tarkett has your surface covered. Featuring lighter, cleaner, and denser northern maple, FieldTurf Tarkett’s Performance hardwood courts provide more shock absorption and better ball rebound. All Performance courts meet or exceed

MFMA guidelines and feature a more consistent grading and longer average board length. Upholding FieldTurf Tarkett’s dedication to innovation, the Performance hardwood product is designed with new SmartSlide technology. This provides athletes with both the frictional resistance required to stop on a dime and the frictional release needed to slide for a loose ball.

Circle No. 504 FieldTurf Tarkett’s line of synthetic indoor surfaces includes a newly redesigned Omnisports product. Intended

for activities requiring moderate performance characteristics, Omnisports is durable and cost-effective, and it comes in a wide range of colors. With Omnisports, no recoating or refinishing is necessary, making it a virtually maintenance-free alternative to wood.

Designed for performance, built by innovation, and backed by a FieldTurf Tarkett warranty, the company’s new line of indoor surfaces is engineered for excellence.

Circle No. 505 Future Pro, Inc. 800-328-4625 www.futureproinc.com When it’s time to upgrade your court, Future Pro packages can save you money and guarantee compatibility of all components. Select Gym Upgrade packages feature 42-inch (short) or 48-inch (tall) backboards, with standard mount or fan conversion.

There is a package to fit your existing wall or ceiling mount structure, regardless of its manufacturer. Packages include an unbreakable glass backboard, a breakaway goal, and DuraSkin backboard padding. All backboards in these packages carry an unconditional lifetime or lifetime limited warranty.

Circle No. 506 M.A.S.A. 800-264-4519 www.masa.com M.A.S.A. offers a wide variety of topquality products for basketball facilities, including complete portable goal systems, backboards, adjustable systems, goal height adjusters, youth basketball goals, stationary and sideswing systems, wall-mount systems, padding,

Basketball Facilities and much more. Go online or call today to learn more about these products, and to request your free copy of the M.A.S.A. catalog.

Circle No. 507 Promats Athletics 800-617-7125 www.promats.com Promats Athletics, a leading innovator in the padding industry, is proud to present its line of high-resolution digital

graphics. With photo-quality logos, you can show your team spirit or improve the appearance of your facility like never before. With a cost significantly lower than traditional graphics, Promats can provide breathtaking logos to suit any budget. Call or go online today to receive a digital graphics CD-ROM. Circle No. 508 The Stadium Chair Co. 888-417-9590 www.stadiumchair.com The SidelineChair is one of the best seats on the market in its price range, with the durability and quality you’d expect from higherpriced products.

It features two- or three-inch pads covered with quality vinyl that provide two large imprint areas. The extra-sturdy powdercoated frame comes with dual-reinforced steel support bars on the back legs and carries a 10-year limited warranty.

Circle No. 509 OakWood Sports, Inc. 517-321-6852 www.oakwoodsports.com OakWood Sports is a premiere custom wood locker builder, with experience in design, construction, delivery, and installation. For new builds or renovations, the company takes care of your locker needs from start to finish and beyond. With more than 200 locker rooms completed

Why do more than 13,000 unique users each month rely on AthleticBid. com?

since 1998, OakWood’s experience and knowledge ensure that your locker system will be visually stunning and highly durable.

OakWood understands the construction requirements of athletic lockers, and prides itself on applying that expertise to the specific needs of each customer. Go online to view the company’s photo gallery.

Circle No. 510 In almost a decade, OakWood Sports has helped more than 200 schools and sports organizations design and install wood lockers for their athletic facilities. Every locker is constructed from special cuts of highquality veneer and solid wood to ensure a vibrant grain pattern and beautiful color. The lockers are assembled by hand as an individual unit prior to installation. OakWood’s specially formulated finish resists moisture, citric acid, and up to a 25-percent solution of sulfuric acid. Finally, all hardware (including hooks, hinges, and clothes rods) is either solid brass or stainless steel.

Circle No. 511 Spec Seats 800-535-2048 www.specseats.com From high school gyms to NBA facilities and NCAA tournaments, Spec Seats is a leader in providing completely flexible logo seating systems.

Spec Seats builds to your exact specifications and offers an outstanding warranty, so you can rest assured that the company’s seating is made to last. For special team benches, locker rooms, and fundraising opportunities, Spec Seats delivers the quality, technical seating knowledge, and experience for your winning team.

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With AthleticBid’s online Buyer’s Guide, you may: View the complete product lines of companies listed. ● View catalog pages or spec sheets from many of the top companies. ● Read a profile or description of select companies. ● Send an e-mail directly to a supplier or make a request to be contacted by a company representative. ● Request catalog and sales literature from companies. ●

Quickly find the products, services, and deals you are looking for

CoachingManagementOnline.com athbid1_3.indd 1

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ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY CIRCLE NO.

“I have used them for years...

There is nothing like them on the market...”

CIRCLE NO.

COMPANY

PAGE NO

104. . . Active Ankle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

127. . . Power Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

115 . . . American Int’l. Sports Tours . . . . . . 24

124 . . . Powermate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

118 . . . Basketball Travelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

129. . . Powernetics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC

117 . . . Bison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

116 . . . Promats Athletics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

107. . . California University of Pennsylvania . . 11

106. . . QB-Tee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

128. . . Cho-Pat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

121 . . . Schedule Star . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

109. . . Cramer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

113 . . . Shoot-A-Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

101. . . Dr. Dish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

112 . . . Spalding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

102. . . FieldTurf Tarkett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

103. . . Spec Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

105. . . Human Kinetics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

130. . . Sportstec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BC

120. . . K&K Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

111 . . . Stadium Chair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

122. . . M.A.S.A. Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

125. . . VertiMax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

110 . . . OakWood Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

119 . . . World-Sport Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Patented device will reduce stress upon the Achilles Tendon and provide effective relief from pain and discomfort associated with Achilles Tendonitis. Sizes: Sm - L

108 . . OPTP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

100 . . XUBI Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC-1

123. . . Power Lift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

126. . . Xvest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Patented strap provides relief from knee pain caused by degeneration and overuse. Easy to use, comfortable, allows full mobility.

Sizes: Sm - XL

Shin Splint Compression Sleeve Cho-Pat’s unique approach to help alleviate the pain and soreness caused by shin splits Sizes: Sm - L

Bicep/Triceps Cuff Patent-pending device affords protection from overuse injuries for individuals performing repetitive lifting.

Sizes: Sm - XXL

www.cho-pat.com 1-800-221-1601

PRODUCTS DIRECTORY CIRCLE NO.

COMPANY

PAGE NO.

543 . . Active Ankle

(All-Sport Chameleon)

542 . . Active Ankle

(Volt ankle brace)

513 . . . Airborne Athletics

(Dr. Dish)

514 . . . Airborne Athletics

(iMake) .

. . . 49

. . . . . . 49

. . . . . . . 43

. . . . . . . . 43

544 . . American Int’l. Sports Tours . . . . . . 49 545 . . Basketball Travelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

502 . . Bison

(backboard)

503 . . Bison

(T-Rex portables) .

CIRCLE NO.

COMPANY

PAGE NO

. . . . . . . . 46

533 . . OPTP

(Core Challenge Roller)

532 . . OPTP

(Foam Roller Techniques)

. . . . . . . 46

535 . . Power Lift

(Custom Combo Power Rack) .

534 . . Power Lift

(Spinning Bike)

46

. . . . . . . . . . 46

536 . . Power Systems

(Power Jumper) .

537. . . Power Systems

(VersaFit Vest).

. . . . . 46

. . . . . . 47

523 . . Powermate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

. . . . . . . . . . . . 40

539 . . Powernetics

(Dominator) .

546 . . California University of Pennsylvania . . 49

538 . . Powernetics

(Power Trainer).

547. . . Cho-Pat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

518 . . . PrepsCentral.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

524. . . Clarin Seating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

508 . . Promats Athletics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

550 . . Cramer

(AS1 ankle brace) .

516 . . . QB-Tee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

551 . . . Cramer

(Power Lacer ankle brace)

. . . . . . . . . . 50 . . . . . 50

504 . . FieldTurf Tarkett

(hardwood courts).

505 . . FieldTurf Tarkett

(Omnisports)

. . 40

. . . . . . 40

. . . . . . . . . . 47 . . . . . . . . 47

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

519 . . . Shoot-A-Way

(Gun)

520 . . Shoot-A-Way

(Rebounder)

. . . . . . . . . 44 . . . . . . . 40

500 . . Spalding

(basketball products)

506 . . Future Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

501. . . Spalding

(scorer’s tables) .

527. . . Gared Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

512 . . . Spec Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

526. . . Gearboss by Wenger . . . . . . . . . . . 45

522 . . Sportstec

(CODA software)

517 . . . HighSchoolSports.net . . . . . . . . . . . 43

521. . . Sportstec

(Gamebreaker/Sportscode)

530 . . Human Kinetics (Basketball Conditioning) . 46

509 . . Stadium Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

531. . . Human Kinetics (Injuries Guidebook) . . . . 46

529 . . VertiMax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

549 . . K&K

(Accident Medical Insurance) .

548 . . K&K

(Sports Camp & Clinic Program) .

. . . . . 49

528. . . VertiMax

(V6) .

. . . . . . . . . . 40

. . . . . . . . . 44 . . 44

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

. . . 49

552. . . World-Sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

. . . . . . . 40

553 . . XUBI Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

507 . . M.A.S.A.

(basketball facilities)

515 . . . M.A.S.A.

(Three Point Shooter Ring)

. . . 43

554 . . XUBI Sports

(uniforms) .

. . . . . . . . . . . 50

525 . . McDavid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

541. . . Xvest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

510 . . . OakWood Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

540 . . Xvest

511 . . . OakWood Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

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Achilles Tendon Strap

Dual Action Knee Strap

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(TurboBells)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Coaching Aids Airborne Athletics, Inc. 888-887-7453 www.drdishbasketball.com Coaches agree that it’s critical to have a strong presence in the paint. Dr. Dish is a basketball training machine that will get your big men thousands of extra reps on their own.

Dr. Dish operates from anywhere on the court and simulates virtually any basketball scenario to train your players through repetition. Dr. Dish is remotely operated, which frees up coaches to coach. You can use pre-set drills or customize and save 50 drills. The Pass and Feed feature allows continuous training without stopping to reload. Now your players can train like they’re in the game.

Circle No. 513 iMake is a next-generation basketball training machine from Airborne Athletics. iMake is loaded with innovative, technologically advanced features that make it functionally much more robust than other shooting machines. These features include electronic touchpad control, wireless remote operation, fully adjustable ball tempo and speed, and fully adjustable rotation range and speed. iMake will throw one to 50 balls to as many as 21 different spots. iMake also comes loaded with 10 pre-programmed drills and takes up to 50 custom-designed drills. It’s air powered (no springs) and comes with an adjustable net and optional shots-made counter.

Circle No. 514 Better Basketball, Inc. 800-238-8372 www.betterbasketball.com For many basketball experts, J.J. Redick has earned the distinction of being the greatest shooter in college basketball history, leaving as the ACC’s all-time leading scorer.

Now, he has chosen Better Basketball to reveal how he built his shot, his shoot-

ing secrets, and what he’s working on now with his shot. His video, Better Shooting 2, is three hours and 33 minutes long. It’s a must-have for any coach who’s serious about player development. To learn more about this and other DVDs from Better Basketball, visit BetterBasketball.com.

M.A.S.A. 800-264-4519 www.masa.com M.A.S.A. wants to help make your basketball practices more productive, so the company offers a variety of effective training aids. Among them are rebounders designed to help athletes improve balance, timing, and coordination under the rim, and the Three Point Shooter Ring, which reduces the size of a standard rim to help players improve their shooting accuracy. Several models of tossbacks are also available, so your athletes can work on their ball handling, passing, and rebounding skills.

Circle No. 515 QB-Tee 877-902-2485 www.QB-Tee.com The QB-Tee helps players stay focused and provides motivation and feedback.

It also helps improve timing and skills.

The coach can focus on the player and not the stopwatch. The player can perform more reps with greater intensity. Athletes can work on objective goals on their own. The player removes the ball from the cradle, triggering the timing mechanism. If the buzzer sounds before the ball is released, the play is dead. The timer can be programmed to tenths of seconds. The QB-Tee is made of helmet-grade plastic.

Circle No. 516 HighSchoolSports.net 800-258-8550 www.highschoolsports.net HighSchoolSports.net displays your school’s schedules, scores, stats,

photos, and directions. Free schedule change notifications instantly alert parents, coaches, and athletes of schedule changes via phone or e-mail. Link HighSchoolSports.net to your school’s Web site to provide accurate information. Post announcements and athletic forms from within Schedule Star.

HighSchoolSports.net is included free with Schedule Star, the premier sports scheduling program.

Circle No. 517 PrepsCentral.com 800-258-8550 www.prepscentral.com PrepsCentral.com is a fast and easyto-use Web-based stats program that allows coaches and stats managers to enter stats for their athletic events. Now everyone can access box scores, game summaries, and individual leaders that instantly display on HighSchoolSports.net. Alert the media with the click of a mouse.

Team rosters, game information, and schedules transfer automatically from Schedule Star. PrepsCentral.com is included free with Schedule Star, the premier sports scheduling program.

Circle No. 518 Shoot-A-Way, Inc. 800-294-4654 www.shootaway.com Dependability and simplicity best describe the Gun from Shoot-A-Way. It has people excited about shooting again. The Gun zips out passes from 15 to 35 feet. Multiple settings allow it to throw to the same spot consistently, or to throw as it rotates to a series of spots around the perimeter. The fast-paced workout forces players to shoot and move, catch quickly, and get their shots up. Call Shoot-A-Way for more information and a free demonstration video.

Circle No. 519

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Coaching Aids Shoot-A-Way, Inc. 800-294-4654 www.shootaway.net

Sportstec’s point-and-click interface simplifies capturing, game breakdown (live or after the game), and reviewing

The Shoot-A-Way Rebounder is the rebounding machine that teaches players to rebound with power and control by forcing them to pull the ball down through arms of resistance. An adjustable ball height of seven to 11 feet makes this rebounder versatile enough for almost any team. The optional block-out pads allow a player to block out into spring-loaded pads, then rebound with authority.

Circle No. 520

of game footage. Sportstec’s powerful analysis tools for a single game or several games can help separate your team from the rest and help you turn your team into champions.

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Sportstec 805-383-9693 www.sportstec.com Sportstec’s Gamebreaker and Sportscode are revolutionary video analysis tools that utilize digital technology to identify and analyze any combination of plays throughout a game. Designed especially for coaches,

Sportstec can provide your team with a complete digital solution, and the Sportstec vision can make the difference in winning championships.

Get what you want when you want it—Sportstec’s CODA software allows you to break down video from a handheld PDA wherever and whenever the action is. For deeper analysis of your team and individual performances, Sportstec’s TRAK Performance analyzes

movement, efficiency, and production to give coaches necessary data to make championship decisions. Complement Sportstec video analysis software with VideoEX and you’ll get high-quality digital game films over the Internet very quickly. Reward your loyal fans with Stream, which allows you to broadcast your championships over the Web. Circle No. 522 Powermate, LLC 866-478-6876 www.powermate-llc.com Powermate offers products made by coaches, for coaches. The Rip Through is a resistance training tool that forces players to begin moves in an aggressive manner and prepares them to face pressure defenses.

It trains your team so that your possessions end in shots, not turnovers. To learn more, visit Powermate online.

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Web News Online Athletic Padding Resource Offers Extensive Information Promats Athletics, a world leader in protective sports padding, invites you to enjoy its customer-friendly and informative Web site. Go online today for a complete list of the company’s products and useful references. On the site you can search through many unique products and download individual product specification sheets and shop drawings. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, you can also request a quote or a catalog simply by clicking a link—within 24 hours you will be contacted by a customer service representative.

www.promats.com Daktronics Scores Big on the Web The Daktronics Web site offers a wealth of product information. Full-color images and technical specifications are available for electronic scoreboards, message centers, and video displays in the Products section. The Customer Solutions section has additional information on how Daktronics customers use their systems, along with more pictures. One of the most popular areas of the site is the Photo Galler y,

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which contains thousands of photos of installed scoreboards and displays. Visitors can search by product type or geographical location. The Latest News section offers news about projects going back several years. Use the Contact Us link in the upper right-hand corner to request additional information from Daktronics.

www.daktronics.com Nevco Lets You Design Your Next Scoreboard Online A “Build Your Own” feature and an expanded selection of specifications are among the highlights of Nevco’s Web site.

The “Build Your Own” area lets customers design their own scoring and display system. Select a scoreboard model and signs, change colors, and add a message center or video display to your system. Product specifications list the features of each Nevco model. For architects, specifications in CSI format are also available. Installation prints can be downloaded for each model, including both wired and wireless applications.

www.nevco.com

NEW Product Launch The Titan Series

HexPad Dual Density Three-Rib and Spine Shirt

Unique features: • Extra chair components at critical stress points to hold more weight • Strong enough for typical everyday use by a person weighing up to 350 pounds

(Item 7911T) Unique features: • Hydravent moisture-management technology maintains optimum core body temperature

Benefits for the user: • More sturdy and durable logo seating for your players and arena visitors • The same locker room logo chairs that professional athletes use today

Benefits for the user: • Brings higher protection to the ribs and lower spine for maximum athlete safety • Conforms and stretches with the body for continuous protection

Clarin www.clarinseating.com 800-323-9062

McDavid www.mcdavidusa.com 800-237-8254

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Circle No. 525

Athletic Lockers

Pro S Backboard

Unique features: • More than 1,000 different configurations (sizes, features, and colors) • Durable, easy-to-clean wood laminate with antimicrobial technology • Drying system in the foot locker and overhead topper

Unique features: • Designed with a unique T-shaped extension arm • Spring-assisted operation allows for quick setup and teardown • Available in 8’, 10’, and 10’ 8” boom extensions

Benefits for the user: • Customization options enhance program pride • Airflow improves sanitation and player comfort

GearBoss by Wenger Corp. www.wengercorp.com 800-4-WENGER Circle No. 526

Benefits for the user: • Eliminates the need for unsightly bridge supports • Gives spectators an unobstructed view of the court and the goal • Adapts to all arenas, providing clearance for optimum player safety

Gared Sports www.garedsports.com 800-325-2682 Circle No. 527

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Strength & Cardio Equipment VertiMax 800-699-5867 www.vertimax.com The new VertiMax V6 is a revolutionary advancement in functional, sport-specific, total-body training. It is the optimal plyometric training device to improve vertical jump and firststep quickness.

The V6 is strongly endorsed by many NFL, NBA, and NCAA Division I head coaches. Visit VertiMax’s Web site for more details and to read testimonials from satisfied customers.

Circle No. 528 A new low-load, velocity-specific training program is now available for the ultimate in force development. VertiMax is the optimal plyometric training device to improve vertical jump and first-step quickness.

It’s unique because it is capable of applying multiple loads at multiple body locations, including the ankles, knees, hips, shoulders, and arms, while the athlete is performing explosive lower- and/or upperbody training. The VertiMax PLUS series is strongly endorsed by many NFL, NBA, and NCAA Division I head coaches. Visit VertiMax’s Web site for more details and customer testimonials.

Circle No. 529 Human Kinetics 800-747-4457 www.HumanKinetics.com In Complete Conditioning for Basketball, coaches and players can access the tests, drills, exercises, and programs proven most effective in maximizing on-court perfor-

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mance. This comprehensive book and DVD package provides not only 71 basketball-specific conditioning drills, but also information to shore up any physical shortcomings and build on players’ natural tools. Sample workout sessions and training programs combine with oncourt demonstrations to make this the total training package.

Circle No. 530 The Sports Injuries Guidebook, available from Human Kinetics, is an authoritative, quick-reference, full-color guide that covers more than 130 injuries. Easy-to-find entries include a description of common causes, injury identification cues, explanations of symptoms, full-color anatomical illustrations, treatment options, and a plan for returning to action quickly and safely. The Sports Injuries Guidebook also provides additional coverage on conditioning, body maintenance, and nutrition to keep injuries at bay.

Circle No. 531 OPTP 800-367-7393 www.optp.com The Foam Roller Techniques poster set is broken down by upper- and lower-body exercises. At 18” x 24” each, the posters are an ideal resource for school workout and athletic training rooms, fitness centers, and rehab facilities. For more information about these posters and other products, call OPTP or visit its Web site.

Circle No. 532 OPTP’s Core Challenge Roller combines the essential properties of exercise balls and rollers into one dynamic inflatable fitness roll for the entire body. The size, shape,

and physical properties optimize exercises that strengthen and tone the abs, obliques, and core muscle groups while improving stability, balance, and flexibility. Call OPTP or visit the company’s Web site for more details.

Circle No. 533 Power Lift 800-872-1543 www.power-lift.com The new Power Lift Spinning Bike is available in both chain- and belt-drive versions. The belt-drive version allows users to pedal backward with resistance.

Standard features for both bikes include dual-sided pedals with a clipless system on one side and toe cages on the other, adjustable positions for the seat (height and forward/back), and adjustable positions for the handlebar (height and forward/back).

Circle No. 534 Power Lift’s Custom Combo Power Rack utilizes less space than the traditional combo power rack. Standard features include two dual-grip chin-up handles, bumper plate storage, hanging bar storage, two pairs of safety spot bars, two pairs of Rhino Hook bar catches, and weight storage. The Custom Combo Power Rack can be combined with Olympic lifting platforms and Power Lift’s patented Lever Action bench to create a modular training station.

Circle No. 535 Power Systems 800-321-6975 www.power-systems.com Want explosive training that goes anywhere? Improve the jump height and reaction time of your athletes with the Economy Power Jumper from Power Systems. This portable plyometric train-

Strength & Cardio Equipment ing device adds approximately 32 pounds of resistance at 100-percent elongation to challenge your athletes. Its userfriendly design and portability make it ideal for training athletes in role-specific situations. It is available with a shoulder harness or a waist belt.

Circle No. 536 Increase exercise intensity by incorporating the VersaFit Vest from Power Systems into plyometric, cardio, or circuit training. This weighed vest allows athletes to train with additional resistance similar to body weight, yet with minimal modifications to their natural biomechanics. Removable weight bags allow customization of the resistance. The padded vest slides easily over the head and is secured with Velcro™ straps around the torso. It is available in 10, 20, or 40 pounds.

Circle No. 537 Powernetics 800-829-2928 www.powernetics.com Powernetics offers the Power Trainer, which for more than 10 years has made the power clean a safe exercise for athletes from junior high to the collegiate level.

The Power Trainer enables an athlete to not only do cleans safely, but also to reverse the clean. The unit can be used to perform seven different exercises: the clean, reverse clean, deadlift, lift jump, high row, bench press, and shoulder press. The Power Trainer has proven over the years to be among the safest and most effective tools used to perform the power clean.

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Powernetics also offers a line of strength-training machines that develop power by providing a consistent ratio of speed, resistance, and intensity.

The Dominator builds strength in one unbroken line from the feet to the hands. The machine’s groundbased torquing motion works both sides of the body, while also providing an explosive chest punch. The unit will more than double strength in the 90-degree torso rotation.

Circle No. 539 Xvest 800-697-5658 www.thexvest.com Adjustable Xvest TurboBells are a new product from the maker of Xvest. They replace a room full of dumbbells and are engineered so the weights can be adjusted from five pounds to 60 pounds in just seconds, giving athletes complete control of their workout.

The economical Xvest TurboBells have large easy-grip rubberized handles and come with a specially designed stand. The manufacturer is offering them at an introductory price of $349, plus free shipping—saving you more than $270.

Circle No. 540 The Xvest is currently used by and has redefined training and fitness protocols for most, if not all, MLB teams, as well as teams in the NFL and NBA and at many colleges and universities. The Xvest also has a reputation for being one of the most used training products by U.S. Olympic programs. The Xvest can be utilized with most training protocols and activities. It will not move, migrate, or bounce, enabling you to take your training to the extreme.

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Testimonial

“The Standard by Which Every Basketball Resource Will Be Judged.”

Pete Newell’s Playing Big book and DVD offers a rare opportunity to learn from a basketball coach who has taught Shaquille O’Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Bill Walton the finer points of post play.

“Coach Pete Newell’s vast knowledge of basketball is unparalleled. He gave me 90 percent of my game as an NBA player and allowed me to use that same knowledge as a coach and general manager in the NBA. Players and coaches will benefit tremendously from reading Pete Newell’s Playing Big and watching the DVD. No other source explains the footwork and principles of the game so well.”

Kiki Vandeweghe ESPN Analyst “Pete Newell’s Playing Big is the standard by which every basketball resource will be judged. In a style and format that allow any aspiring student, teacher, coach, or player to easily comprehend what it takes to get to Newell’s Hall-ofFame level, Coach Newell perfectly captures the training tips, techniques, and methodology that have guided the true legends in basketball. Pete Newell’s Playing Big is not only a meticulously researched, brilliantly organized, incredibly complete review of how players have excelled in the post, but it’s also a blueprint for maximizing talents in basketball and in the game of life itself.”

Bill Walton Basketball Hall of Fame, 1993 Member of the NBA’s 50 Greatest All-Time Team

Human Kinetics P.O. Box 5076 Champaign, IL 61825-5076 800-747-4457 Fax: 217-351-1549 orders@hkusa.com www.humankinetics.com CoachingManagementOnline.com

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Company News

Spalding Offers New GymDoctor™ Equipment Safety Evaluation Spalding is finding success with GymDoctor™, a gymnasium equipment safety evaluation tool that helps keep athletes, coaches, and spectators safe.

For more than 50 years, Spalding has manufactured a complete line of gymnasium components for basketball, volleyball, and other applications, includ-

ing basketball backstops, backboards, goals, volleyball systems, divider curtains, and protective padding. Spalding has always taken pride in offering top-quality products with a focus on the markets it serves. A large part of that focus is safety, and now, with GymDoctor, Spalding offers a program that engages customers on their home court and encourages facility improvement with no strings attached.

“A certified GymDoctor safety inspector will come to any gymnasium and complete a thorough evaluation of all athletic equipment,” says Mark Lane, Senior Project Manager at Spalding.

“We’ve completed several evaluations, and we’ve found something to enhance the overall safety and appearance of Spalding 200 American Ave. Jefferson, IA 50129 800-435-3865 Fax: 515-386-4566 mlane@spalding.com www.spaldingequipment.com

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the gym in each instance. It can be anything from cracked welds on basketball goals to degraded wall padding.”

“The GymDoctor evaluation was a real eye-opener,” says JSPC High School Facility Manager Mark Kersey. “I’ve been managing our facilities for more than 30 years, and I thought our gym was in good condition. The Spalding representative found several things we can improve upon, including new backstop safety straps, stage padding, and breakaway goals instead of fixed ones. Needless to say, I’m glad we did the evaluation.”

Athletic directors and facility personnel are encouraged to contact Spalding to set up an appointment for a free GymDoctor athletic equipment evaluation by a local GymDoctor certified dealer.

Spalding is the official volleyball and basketball equipment and foam-backed carpet supplier to the NFHS. “I encourage athletic directors and facility personnel to work with Spalding to ensure the equipment meets NFHS rules and regulations,” says Bob Gardner, Chief Operating Officer of the NFHS. “The GymDoctor evaluation is free to NFHS members and is a really good tool for minimizing risk in gymnasiums as well as creating an attractive appearance for your facility.”

More Products Active Ankle Systems, Inc. 800-800-2896 www.activeankle.com The new Volt ankle brace from Active Ankle has been engineered to include the latest carbon fiber technology. The polypropylene shell is reinforced with carbon fiber—the same highperformance material used in racing cars and bicycles. It also features a molded bearing-design performance hinge for smoother range of motion, strengthening ribs for a thinner profile, and fabric-backed EVA foam pads for durability and comfort. Call today for more information.

Circle No. 542 Ankle protection isn’t black and white anymore. With the All-Sport Chameleon from Active Ankle, athletes can choose from eight bright interchangeable strap covers that come with each brace. The solid U-shaped frame ensures maximum strength, and the molded, fabric-lined EVA padding provides lightweight comfort. Get great style and the same great protection that has made Active Ankle an industry leader. For more information, visit www.getchameleon.com.

Circle No. 543 American International Sports Tours, Inc. 816-256-3828 www.aist.us AIST is a full-service sports travel company that provides teams and individuals with the opportunity to compete internationally while traveling the world. AIST is a first-class organization with great service and outstanding tours. The company’s attention to detail and ability to find

great competition makes AIST one of the nation’s leading sports tour companies. The service, quality, and value of American International Sports Tours makes it a great choice for your international sports tour.

Circle No. 544 Basketball Travelers, Inc. 425-776-2775 www.basketballtravelers.com Basketball Travelers (BTI) is a leader in foreign tours and tournaments.

More than 200 collegiate and high school teams participate annually in BTI events. Established in 1985, its

experienced staff is made up of former coaches and players who have developed an outstanding network of basketball contacts around the world.

As basketball’s popularity continues to grow globally, BTI seeks to contribute and facilitate goodwill between people of all backgrounds.

Circle No. 545 California University of Pennsylvania 866-595-6348 www.cup.edu/go California University of Pennsylvania has helped build the character and careers of its students for more than 150 years.

Cal U’s dedication to providing high-quality, in-demand programs to its students continues through the University’s Global Online 100-percent online programs of study. Through an asynchronous format, Global Online allows students the opportunity to complete coursework anytime, anywhere. All that’s required is a computer with Internet access. Go online for more information.

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Cho-Pat 800-221-1601 www.cho-pat.com Knees take a beating. Cho-Pat’s patented Dual Action Knee Strap provides an extra dimension of relief for painful and weakened knees. First, it applies pressure on the tendon below the knee to reduce patellar subluxation and improve patellar tracking and elevation. Then, by adding pressure on the tendon above the knee, the strap further strengthens and provides an additional level of support and stability for the joint. The Dual Action Knee Strap allows full mobility.

Circle No. 547 K&K Insurance 800-426-2889 www.kandkinsurance.com K&K Insurance’s Sports Camp & Clinic Program is available for youth sports camps and clinics, providing both general liability and participant accident medical coverage. The Sports Tournaments & Events Program is designed for a variety of amateur sporting events. The Amateur Sports Program offers liability and participant accident coverage for a wide variety of youth and adult sports teams, leagues, associations, and programs.

Circle No. 548 The K&K Insurance Accident Medical Insurance Program offers insurance coverage for athletes at competitive prices.

K&K’s experience and active involvement with many collegiate associations provides a unique perspective on the injuries athletes face before, during, and after competition. To obtain more information on rates, enrollment forms, or coverage, call or go online today.

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More Products Cramer Products, Inc. 800-345-2231 www.cramersportsmed.com Cramer’s AS1 ankle brace combines the support of a heel-lock strapping system with excellent value when compared to other ankle braces. The brace is constructed with an 840D nylon shell, with a soft neoprene liner for comfort and feel. Non-stretch straps lock the heel in place, and steel spring stays on each side of the brace provide additional support.

Circle No. 550 The Power Lacer ankle brace from Cramer Products features unique YShaped vertical stabilization straps to offer unprecedented control over both the forefoot and the heel in a laceup brace.

Total-control lacing allows for an even pull throughout the body of the brace, creating a better fit for a variety of foot shapes. Four spring steel stays (two on each side of the ankle) help support the ankle and prevent heel release by supporting the body of the brace. The circumferential strap helps stabilize the brace, preventing unwanted slippage and providing a comfortable fit.

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World-Sport 800-496-8687 www.worldsport-tours.com World-Sport is an innovative company that coordinates exciting national and international travel programs for all kinds of sports teams. Regardless of athletes’ age, skill level, or sport, World-Sport takes care of all the details, leaving the coach free to plan strategy and enjoy the sights—simply choose a destination and World-Sport

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Calling Cards does the rest. Along with quality competition, your team will experience once-

in-a-lifetime sightseeing and cultural activities. Lunch at the Leaning Tower of Pisa? No problem. A team photo with kangaroos and koalas? No worries, mate. Players, coaches, parents, and boosters all enjoy outstanding tours as you travel the globe with World-Sport.

Circle No. 552 XUBI Sports 800-983-9824 www.XUBIsports.com It’s the details that matter. Tackle-twill lettering. Embroidered logos. The way your mom cheered when your shot clinched the championship game.

At XUBI, one of those details is how to take care of coaches.

Whether you’re just coming back for one replacement short or you want to outfit your whole team, you’re a Division I coach at XUBI. Your job is inspiring your team. XUBI’s job is inspiring you. XUBI: Inspiration comes standard.

Circle No. 553 XUBI believes in keeping promises. That means selling some of the best uniforms around at consistently reasonable prices.

It also means taking care of coaches from the moment you call until the day the company delivers. XUBI: Nurturing greatness, one team at a time.

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Daktronics is a world-leading designer and manufacturer of scoreboards and displays. www.daktronics.com

A premier publisher of basketball books and DVDs. www.humankinetics.com

A leading provider of sports and recreation coverage. www.kandkinsurance.com

“Creating a safer place to play” with protective wall padding. www.promats.com

Official volleyball and basketball equipment supplier to the NFHS. www.spaldingequipment.com

Your team, your uniform, your way.

XUBI: RULE YOUR JUNGLE. www.xubisports.com

OVERTIME

NEXT STOP: WEB SITE

Our editorial continues on www.CoachingManagementOnline.com Here is a sampling of the editorial now on our Web site:

Coaching Videos Going One-on-One:

Handing it to Yourself:

One-on-one basketball team defensive drills by Mike Krzyzewski, Men’s Head Coach, Duke University.

Basketball hand-pad shooting form drills by Bob Thomason, Men’s Head Coach, University of the Pacific.

In the Ozone: Basket-

Core Med Ball:

ball offensive zone drills

by Morgan Wooten, Boys’ Coach, DeMatha (Md.) Catholic High School.

Core medicine ball training techniques by Allen Hedrick, Head Coach of Strength and Conditioning, the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Off Court Issues: Strength & Conditioning: Boston College’s program for increasing its players’ flexibility.

Coaching Life: A look at five coaches who have stepped outside the norm and developed innovative approaches to coaching.

Downtime: Blogs

by Lem Elway Catching the Runaway Train: How do we stop sport specialization? By taking a hard look at how we, as coaches, promote it.

Defining a Season: Okay, so we had a losing season.

Student-Athlete Welfare: Educating your athletes about That doesn’t mean it was bad. In fact, we all learned a social networking Web sites. lot.

Sportsmanship: Developing clear guidelines on what is appropriate (and what is not).

Injury Prevention: How to prevent a MRSA outbreak.

Resources: Links to clinics, coaching associations, polls, and rules changes.

www.CoachingManagementOnline.com

THE ORIGINAL In existence since 1981

Explosive Exercises:

The SUPER CAT is in basketball and athletic programs all across America. The Super Cat has been proven to be the most effective machine in developing the “Power Potential” of athletes.

Other machines don’t come close to the Super Cats durability and safe operation to outlast any strenuous workout regiment. We are recording the highest vertical jump on athletes in weight training history.

• Quarter squat jumping • Angle squat jumping • Angle squats School colors available 7-year warranty

The SUPER CAT will give your program the edge in vertical jump and quickness to take you to the next level.

Develops the “POWER POTENTIAL” of every athlete.

The Super Cat will dramatically increase the speed, quickness and vertical jump of your athletes.

Coachs call TODAY for your FREE instructional video!

Visit our NEW website for more information about The Super Cat and our entire line of equipment at www.powernetics.com.

Box 329 Riverside, TX 77367 1 (800) 829-2928 www.powernetics.com Circle No. 129

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